FeedSpot is a free web based Google Reader alternative which you can use to easily keep track of your RSS feeds online. It comes with a very large database of RSS feeds, that are divided up into several categories, where you can select feeds to add to your collection or alternatively, you can import existing RSS feed collections from either OPML or ZIP files.
To use FeedSpot you of course have to create an account. Right away after you create an account, you’re gonna be offered to either select one of the popular RSS feeds from the database of this free web based Google Reader alternatives, to import an OPML or ZIP file and lastly to import RSS feeds manually by pasting links all the way at the bottom.
Once that you’ve added RSS feeds using one of the three available methods, clicking on the homepage button in the top left corner will show you the list of RSS updates. You can of course edit the list of RSS feed later on from inside account settings.
Key features of FeedSpot are:
- Web based: keep track of your RSS feeds easily online in a few clicks
- Google Reader imports: import your RSS feeds using OPML files
- RSS feed database: quickly select RSS feeds from famous websites
- Categories: categories RSS feeds on read, not read, add favorites, etc.
- Expanded view with detailed info and simple list view available
- Search: find tool that you can use to search through the RSS feeds
Similar software: FeedBooster, RSS Ticker, Desktop BBC News.
A few weeks ago Google has shutdown the iconic Google Reader which left countless users in search for an alternative. FeedSpot is one such alternative that offers practically all the same functionality that you had with Google Reader. Here’s a few pointers to help you get started.
How to keep track of RSS feed updates with FeedSpot: free web based Google Reader alternative
First step that you need to take is shown on the very first image from the top. Once that you have imported and added RSS feeds to your FeedSpot account, click on the FeedSpot logo in the top left corner and the feed reader should open up.
Interface of the actual reader is very similar to a lot of other RSS feed readers. Left sidebar has categories and a list of all the websites who’s feeds you are keeping track of. On the right the actual RSS updates are listed. To read more about a story click on it and the full article will open up in a new tab.
FeedSpot also has a social note. You can become friends with other users and that way see what kind of RSS feeds they’re keeping track of. Notice the Friends Activity option in the top right corner menu.
Conclusion
FeedSpot is very easy to use and it offers a lot of useful features. Are you looking for a Google Reader alternative? If you are, then make sure that you try FeedSpot. It works a bit differently from Google Reader, but it’s still a great way how to stay up to date with RSS news updates.
