Replacing social media noise with an app that curates content that matters

I’ve been an avid RSS feed enthusiast since the early days of the Internet, and I’ve watched the landscape shift in all kinds of unpredictable ways. Once upon a time, Google Reader was my go-to, the first thing I’d set up after reinstalling a system. However, as with many Google projects, they eventually pulled the plug on it. Cue social media, with Facebook and Twitter becoming the default for “staying informed.”

But, as you might know from personal experience, those platforms quickly turn into chaotic noise. The feed becomes an overwhelming mishmash of work updates, hobby interests, cousin’s vacation photos, and endless memes. It’s like trying to drink from a fire hose of randomness.

That’s why, a couple of years ago, I pretty much gave social media the boot. It no longer gave me the specific, curated information I craved. However, there was one thing I never let go of—blogs and RSS feeds. There’s something pure and uncluttered about them. You subscribe to the websites or topics you care about, and the rest of the world (and its unsolicited opinions) stays out of your way.

Enter Reeder: My go-to for RSS (and more)

One app I’ve loyally supported throughout this journey is Reeder. Whenever it gets a major update, I’m there, ready to shell out for it. And trust me, it’s one of the few apps I don’t regret paying for, even though subscription-based models usually make me cringe.

At its core, Reeder has always been about keeping RSS feeds alive. But the latest iteration of Reeder isn’t just an RSS reader—it’s trying something a bit different, something ambitious. It aims to be your inbox for everything: RSS feeds, YouTube channels, Reddit threads, and even podcasts. Yes, you read that right. This simple little app is tackling the challenge of bringing all your content sources into one beautifully designed package.

The “weird twist” that works

I’ll admit that I thought it was a bit weird when I first heard about this multi-source approach. After all, an RSS reader is supposed to be just that, right? But Reeder is onto something. After a month of using it, I have to say that my workflow has already been adapted, and I truly enjoy what it offers. It’s not just about reading anymore; it’s about curating.

Reeder’s main pitch is pretty straightforward: “Your inbox for reading, watching, and listening to content from various sources.” And it delivers exactly that. Whether on macOS, iOS, or iPadOS, Reeder syncs everything across your Apple devices using iCloud, so you can switch from your phone to your Mac without skipping a beat. No “unread posts” badge stress either—it presents everything chronologically, which is a game changer for me.

RSS, Reddit, YouTube, and more

Right now, I’m using Reeder mainly for the classic RSS feed setup, but I’ve also added some subreddits and a few YouTube channels that I like to keep tabs on. If you’re into podcasts, you’ll be happy to know that Reeder supports those, too. However, I personally like to consume my podcasts separately when I’m not in “news mode.” Still, I love the idea that it’s there, and I’ll probably add a couple of podcasts in the future.

It’s not just about aggregation, though—Reeder makes it easy to bookmark and favorite content. I bookmark things that I want to check out later (you know, those 5,000-word long reads I don’t have time for right now) and favorite posts that I want to save in my digital stash for future reference. It’s like building a mini-library within the app, and I find it invaluable.

Sharing feeds made simple

A major perk for Reeder subscribers is the Shared Feeds feature, which makes sharing your curated content a breeze. It allows you to turn any tag—whether it’s Favorites, Later, Bookmarks, or any custom tag—into a public feed. This is perfect for collaborating or sharing collections of articles, videos, or resources with others who share your interests.

The shared feeds are accessible via any browser or can be added to any RSS reader that supports JSON feeds, keeping things flexible. Even better, the feed automatically updates as you add new items, meaning anyone following it gets the latest content without any extra effort on your part. Although there’s a cap of 50 items per feed, it’s still a fantastic way to share your curated collections with friends, colleagues, or even a wider audience.

Reeder’s strengths (and a few misses)

I’d be lying if I said I don’t miss a few things from the older version of Reeder (now called Reeder Classic). Features like iOS widgets, better keyboard shortcuts, and support for Apple’s Shortcuts are still absent in the new version, and those are definitely things I hope to see in future updates. But despite these missing elements, this new Reeder has enough fresh ideas that I’m willing to be patient. The app is still early in its life cycle, and I’m confident that more features will be added with the same polish and attention to detail we’ve come to expect from Silvio Rizzi, the developer.

One potential sticking point for some users is the subscription model. I get it—subscriptions are everywhere these days, and no one wants to deal with more of them. But I’m happy to report that Reeder is one of the few I don’t mind renewing. Why? Because it saves me from jumping between a half-dozen different apps and services to stay updated on all my interests. Everything I need is neatly organized in one beautifully designed app.

Final thoughts: A tool for the digital age overload

Reeder is a breath of fresh air if you’ve been overwhelmed by the sheer number of platforms you have to juggle to stay informed. It’s ambitious to try to be your one-stop shop for news, blogs, videos, and more, and while it’s not perfect yet, it’s already miles ahead of other readers out there.

For me, it’s a little piece of sanity in a chaotic digital world—like Google Reader was back in the day but evolved for 2024. Reeder might just make you fall in love with RSS again, or if you’re like me, remind you why you never stopped.