Latest #VirtualPaul Posts

The Future of RSS Has Nothing to Do with the Future of Your Podcast

Let’s clear the air: the future of RSS has nothing to do with the future of your podcast. I know, that might sound like heresy in some podcasting circles, but it’s the truth. And it ties directly to one of my Laws of Podcasting: “It’s a Show—Not a Podcast.” Here’s the deal: your audience doesn’t care about RSS. They don’t care about the tech behind your show. They care about your content, your message, and the value you bring to their lives. Period.

Paul’s Law: It’s a Show—Not a Podcast

Here’s what I mean when I say “It’s a Show—Not a Podcast.” Half the world doesn’t even know what a podcast is. The other half? They don’t care that your content is delivered via RSS. They care that it’s compelling, valuable, and easy to access. Your job isn’t to promote the technology—it’s to promote the content. The show. The experience. That’s what matters.

RSS is just a delivery mechanism. It’s the plumbing, not the water. And while plumbing is important, it’s not what your audience is thirsty for. They’re thirsty for your voice, your perspective, your unique take on the world. That’s what keeps them coming back—not the tech that delivers it.

Why RSS Isn’t the Future of Podcasting

Let’s break it down. RSS has been the backbone of podcasting since the beginning, and it’s not going anywhere anytime soon. But here’s the thing: the future of podcasting isn’t tied to RSS. It’s tied to you. Your content. Your ability to connect with your audience. Here’s why:

  • Platforms Are Evolving: From Spotify to YouTube to proprietary apps, podcasting is expanding beyond RSS. These platforms are making it easier than ever for audiences to discover and consume content—no RSS feed required.
  • Your Audience Doesn’t Care About Tech: They’re not tuning in because of RSS. They’re tuning in because of you. Focus on delivering value, and the tech will take care of itself.
  • Content Is King: At the end of the day, it’s your content that matters. Whether it’s delivered via RSS, a custom app, or carrier pigeon, your audience will follow you if you’re providing value.

What This Means for You

If you’re worried about the future of RSS, stop. Instead, focus on what you can control: creating a show that resonates with your audience. Here’s how:

  1. Know Your Audience: Who are they? What do they care about? What problems are they trying to solve? The more you understand your audience, the better you can serve them.
  2. Focus on Content: Make your show compelling, valuable, and relevant. Remember, content is king—but only if it serves your audience.
  3. Be Platform-Agnostic: Don’t tie your success to a single technology or platform. Be where your audience is, whether that’s on Spotify, YouTube, or a custom app.
  4. Think Long-Term: The podcasting landscape will continue to evolve. Stay flexible, stay focused, and keep your eye on the prize: serving your audience.

The Bottom Line

The future of your podcast isn’t about RSS. It’s about your ability to create a show that connects, inspires, and delivers value. So stop worrying about the tech and start focusing on what really matters: your audience, your content, and your impact. Because at the end of the day, it’s not about how your show is delivered—it’s about the difference it makes.

At The Podcast Partnership, we help podcasters like you create shows that stand the test of time—regardless of the tech behind them. Ready to future-proof your podcast? Let’s chat.