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Google News RSS Feed Changes: what Publishers Need to Know

On October 26, 2023, Google announced significant changes to how it handles RSS feeds for Google News. These changes, fully implemented by February 29, 2024, impact how news publishers are discovered and featured within Google News. Understanding these updates is crucial for maintaining visibility and traffic from this importent source.

What Changed?

Previously, Google News crawled RSS feeds to discover new content. Google has now shifted to a system requiring publishers to submit their content directly through the Google Publisher Center. Simply having an RSS feed is no longer enough to guarantee inclusion in Google News. This isn’t a complete abandonment of RSS, but a change in *how* it’s used.

Here’s a breakdown of the key changes:

• RSS Feed Submission Required: Publishers must now actively submit their RSS feeds through the Google Publisher Center. google will no longer automatically discover and crawl feeds.
• Google News Initiative (GNI) Integration: The Publisher Center is now the central hub for managing your Google News presence,including RSS feed submission and other features offered through the GNI.
• Focus on Quality: Google emphasizes that submitting high-quality, original content is essential.Duplicate content or feeds with low editorial standards are less likely to be approved.
• AMP Not Required (But Still Beneficial): While Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP) are no longer a strict requirement for Google News inclusion,Google still states that AMP pages can offer a better reading experience and may receive preferential treatment.

Why Did Google Make these Changes?

Google cites several reasons for this shift. Primarily,they aim to improve the quality of content displayed in Google News and combat the spread of misinformation. By requiring direct submission, Google gains more control over the sources it features and can better enforce its editorial guidelines. This also allows them to prioritize publishers who actively invest in quality journalism.

How to Submit Your RSS Feed

Here’s a step-by-step guide to submitting your RSS feed through the Google Publisher Center:

1. Sign In: Log in to the Google Publisher Center with your Google account.
2. Add Publication: If you haven’t already, add your publication. You’ll need to verify ownership of your website.
3. Navigate to RSS Feeds: Within your publication settings, find the “RSS Feeds” section.
4. Add New Feed: Click “Add new Feed” and enter the URL of your RSS feed.
5. Feed Configuration: Configure the feed settings, including the language and the types of content it contains.
6. Submit for Review: Submit the feed for review. Google will evaluate it to ensure it meets their quality guidelines.

troubleshooting Common Issues

If your RSS feed is rejected, here are some common reasons and how to fix them:

• Invalid RSS Feed: Ensure your RSS feed is valid and well-formed.Use an RSS validator to check for errors.
• Missing or Incorrect Tags: Verify that your feed includes the necessary tags, such as <title>, <link>, <description>, and <pubDate>.
• Duplicate Content: Avoid submitting feeds with duplicate content.
• Low-Quality Content: Ensure your content is original, informative, and adheres to Google’s editorial guidelines.
• Slow Feed Updates: Google prefers feeds that are updated frequently.

Comparison: Old vs. New System

Frequently asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I need to resubmit my RSS feed if I already had it indexed by Google News?

Yes. Google has stated that previously indexed feeds need to be resubmitted through the Publisher Center to ensure continued inclusion.

How long does it take for Google to review my RSS feed?

Review times can vary. Google doesn’t provide a specific timeframe, but it typically takes a few days to a couple of weeks.

What if my RSS feed is rejected?

You’ll receive a notification with the reason for rejection. Address the issues and resubmit the feed.

Can I submit multiple