Is Streaming the Future of RSS?

Welcome to Live Podcast Tips with Rob Greenlee, Episode 59, airing live tonight, Thursday, March 20th, 2025, at 7pm EST/4pm PST. I’m Rob Greenlee, your host, diving into the future of podcasting with decades of industry insight (LinkedIn.com/in/robgreenlee). Tonight’s topic: The Future of RSS if it Supports HLS Streaming Delivery vs. Downloaded Media Files to Big/Small Listening and Viewing Platforms. We start with RSS today, the backbone of podcasting. This open standard pushes static MP3s or MP4s to listeners across apps, but it’s limited—no real-time streaming, just downloads. In a streaming-dominated world, RSS feels dated. How do you see it holding up? Next, enter HLS (HTTP Live Streaming), a game-changer. Unlike downloads, HLS streams media in chunks, adapting quality to bandwidth—think live podcasts with lower latency and interactivity. Could this evolve RSS into a rival for live radio or TV? Downloading means full files stored offline, fixed bitrate, reliable but rigid. HLS offers real-time chunks—AAC audio or H.264 video—dynamic and storage-light, but needs internet. Downloading prioritizes ownership; HLS, adaptability. Big platforms like Spotify, Apple, and YouTube dominate with proprietary systems, sidelining RSS. HLS in RSS could counter this, empowering independent creators (like those at AdoreNetwork.com) to bypass walled gardens and connect directly with listeners. Will platforms adopt it, or cling to control? With years in podcasting, I see a tipping point coming – HLS in RSS could keep creators competitive, fostering an open, adaptive ecosystem. Connect with Rob Greenlee: Website: https://robgreenlee.com X/Twitter: https://x.com/robgreenlee Instagram: https://instagram.com/robwgreenlee YouTube: https://youtube.com/@RobGreenlee Watch & Listen: Apple Podcasts Video: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/podcast-tips-with-rob-greenlee-video/id1733043511 Apple Podcasts Audio: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/podcast-tips-with-rob-greenlee-audio/id1733042908 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6zBt5KuALYO5JsewJgsfrt Watch Video & Listen to Audio via Adore Website: https://AdoreNetwork.com Catch past episodes and connect at LinkedIn.com/in/robgreenlee and AdoreNetwork.com. #PodcastTips, #RSSFuture, #HLSStreaming, #PodcastInnovation, #CreatorControl, #BigPlatforms, #OpenStandards, #Podcasting2025, #TechForward, #RobGreenlee,