OPML vs RSS: What’s the Difference?
People often see “OPML” while using RSS readers and assume it’s another kind of feed. It’s not.
Here’s the simplest way to remember it:
- RSS/Atom = the content stream (posts, episodes, updates)
- OPML = the subscription list (the set of feeds you follow)
RSS (and Atom): the content feed
An RSS or Atom feed is a URL (often XML) that publishes new items over time:
- blog posts
- news articles
- podcast episodes
Readers poll RSS/Atom feeds and show you what’s new.
OPML: the export/import file
An OPML file is an XML document that contains a list of feed URLs (often xmlUrl="…") and optional folders.
You use OPML when you want to:
- back up your subscriptions
- migrate readers (Feedly → Inoreader)
- share a curated list of feeds
How OPML and RSS work together
- You subscribe to RSS/Atom feeds in a reader.
- The reader stores that list.
- When you export, you get an OPML file containing the list of feed URLs.
- When you import, another reader reads the OPML and recreates the same subscription list.
Related guides
- Export OPML from Feedly
- Import OPML (Feedly, Inoreader, NetNewsWire): Migrate your subscriptions
- OPML Explained: How to Manage and Migrate Large Feed Lists
FAQ
Is OPML the same as RSS?
No. RSS/Atom is a feed of content (posts/episodes). OPML is a file that lists feed subscriptions so you can back up or migrate your reading list.
What is OPML used for?
OPML is used to export/import subscription lists between readers like Feedly, Inoreader, and NetNewsWire.
Do podcasts use OPML?
Podcast apps usually use RSS feeds. OPML can store lists of podcast feed URLs, but the actual podcast content still comes from RSS.
Fix RSS/Atom feeds and OPML lists
Paste a feed/OPML URL, upload a file, or paste XML — then validate and fix it.