Quick answer
Use two checks when the feed matters most
- 1Start with The Pod Radar for a readable show, artwork, episode, and directory-readiness report.
- 2Use Podbase or Cast Feed Validator to investigate standards-level warnings.
- 3Validate in Apple Podcasts Connect before submitting to Apple.
- 4Make every correction at the podcast host, then test the public RSS URL again.
Side-by-side
Free podcast feed validators compared
These tools overlap, but they are not identical. Choose by the problem you need to solve rather than chasing a single perfect score.
| Option | Best for | Main checks | Account | What happens next |
|---|---|---|---|---|
The Pod RadarTry it here | A clear, creator-friendly readiness check | Show metadata, artwork, episodes, enclosure URLs, directory basics, and discoverability | Not required | Open related SEO and RSS tools, then submit a current episode when ready |
| Feed and podcast-namespace standards | XML, RSS 2.0, secure delivery, feed fields, sharing, and SEO signals | Not required | Interpret the result and make changes at your host | |
| Visual feed debugging | Feed warnings, artwork, media files, and a visualised feed preview | Not required | Trace warnings back to the relevant feed field or media file | |
| Checking Apple's interpretation before submission | Required fields, artwork and episode assets, plus an Apple Podcasts preview | Apple account required | Submit the show to Apple or return to the host to correct it |
Comparison checked against the providers' public documentation on 11 August 2026. Features and validation rules can change.
Best use
Which validator should you choose?
- 1
Everyday check
Start with the report you can act on
Use The Pod Radar when you want the feed, artwork, episode metadata, and directory basics explained together without an account wall.
You leave with a prioritised list rather than raw feed syntax.
- 2
Technical warning
Confirm it with a standards-focused tool
Use Podbase or Cast Feed Validator when a host, directory, or migration produces a specific RSS, namespace, media, or delivery error.
You can tell whether the warning is shared across tools.
- 3
Apple submission
Finish inside Apple Podcasts Connect
Apple's own validation and preview is the final relevant check for Apple Podcasts. Passing another validator does not guarantee acceptance by every directory.
You see the feed as Apple expects to publish it.
Before submission
A passing feed still needs a human check
Technical validity means a directory can read the feed. It does not mean a listener will understand or choose the show.
- The show title is clear and consistent across the host and artwork
- The description explains who the show is for and what they will hear
- Artwork remains recognisable at a small thumbnail size
- The owner email can receive directory verification messages
- At least one complete episode or trailer appears in the public feed
- Episode titles are specific instead of repeating episode numbers alone
- The website, explicit rating, category, language, and rights information are accurate
Run the separate podcast SEO analyzer when the feed is technically healthy but the titles and descriptions still need work.
Next step
What to do after the feed passes
- 1
Distribution
Submit the show to the essential directories
List the RSS feed with Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and Amazon Music, then save every public URL.
- 2
Discovery
Add one current episode to a launch surface
A directory makes the whole show available. A focused episode launch gives listeners a timely reason to act.
- 3
Maintenance
Validate again after major changes
Recheck after moving hosts, changing the feed URL, replacing artwork, or seeing a directory rejection. You do not need to validate before every normal episode.
FAQ
RSS validator questions
What is the best free podcast RSS feed validator?
Use the validator that matches the problem. The Pod Radar gives creators a readable directory-readiness report, Podbase is useful for feed and namespace standards, Cast Feed Validator helps visualise warnings and media, and Apple Podcasts Connect shows how Apple reads the feed before submission.
Should I run my feed through more than one validator?
Yes when you are about to submit, migrate, or troubleshoot a rejection. Different validators apply different checks, so a second result can distinguish a real feed problem from one tool's warning.
Can a validator fix my RSS feed?
No. A validator identifies likely problems. Make the correction in your podcast host or feed generator, wait for the public feed to refresh, and run the check again.
Do I need an account to use The Pod Radar validator?
No. You can run the full RSS feed check without signing up. Creating an account is only needed if you later choose to submit an episode for a launch week.