Podcast RSS Validator

Knowledge Base

How to Use the RSS Validator

The RSS Validator checks your podcast RSS feed for errors and compliance with Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube standards. Paste your feed URL and the tool reports issues preventing distribution or affecting metadata display.

Why Validate Your Feed?

RSS feeds are XML files with strict rules. A single formatting error can prevent Apple Podcasts from accepting your show. Missing tags break metadata (artwork, episode descriptions, categories). The validator catches these before they become problems.

Common RSS Issues

• Missing Tags: title, description, author, image required by Apple.
• Encoding Errors: Special characters (&, <, >) must be escaped or wrapped in CDATA.
• Invalid Image URLs: Image must be JPG/PNG, minimum 1400x1400px, maximum 3000x3000px.
• Broken XML Structure: Mismatched or unclosed tags prevent parsing.
• Duplicate Episodes: Same episode published twice creates confusion.

How to Fix RSS Issues

Most issues live in your hosting platform's dashboard. Check episode metadata, artwork, and categories. Resubmit to the validator after changes. Many fixes take 24-48 hours to propagate to platforms.

FAQ

Q: My feed validates but Apple didn't approve, why?
A: Apple has additional rules beyond RSS spec. Check explicit content flag, category accuracy, and cover art size.

Q: How often should I check my feed?
A: After major changes (cover art, category, explicit flag). Check quarterly for drifts.