How to Display Exclusive Content Only to RSS Subscribers in WordPress

Want to reward your RSS subscribers with exclusive content? This proven tactic encourages more sign-ups to your feed. As experienced WordPress developers, we'll guide you through reliable methods to show content only to RSS subscribers.

When and Why Offer Feed-Only Content in WordPress?

The most effective way for users to stay updated is through email subscriptions or RSS feeds. You can even deliver WordPress posts directly to email lists via services like MailChimp or AWeber.

Convincing visitors to subscribe to a new site's RSS feed can be challenging. Many site owners use "content upgrades"—extra value for subscribers—to drive growth.

Likewise, offer bonus content exclusively via RSS. Pair this with lead tools like OptinMonster for rapid subscriber gains.

Let's dive into how to implement RSS-only content in WordPress.

Method 1: Add Feed-Only Content with a Plugin

This beginner-friendly approach uses a plugin for simplicity.

First, install and activate the WP Kill in Feed plugin. See our step-by-step WordPress plugin installation guide for details.

Once activated, it provides two shortcodes.

The [addtofeed] shortcode adds content visible only in feeds:

Wrap any content—text, images, YouTube embeds—between [addtofeed] and [/addtofeed]. It appears solely in RSS feeds, hidden from site visitors.

Tease repeat visitors: "RSS subscribers see bonus content here," with a feed link.

Hide Content from RSS Feed Subscribers

The plugin also hides content from feeds, showing it only on your site. Wrap it in [killinfeed][/killinfeed] shortcodes—like this example.

Method 2: Show Content Only to RSS Subscribers Using Code

For those comfortable with code, add this to your theme's functions.php or a site-specific plugin:

function feedonly_shortcode( $atts, $content ) {
    if ( is_feed() ) {
        return apply_filters( 'the_content', $content );
    }
    return '';
}
add_shortcode( 'feedonly', 'feedonly_shortcode' );

This mirrors the plugin: it checks for feeds and outputs content only then, skipping otherwise.

Use it like: [feedonly]Exclusive RSS content here.[/feedonly]

Tell visitors they'll unlock more by subscribing to your RSS feed.

This guide equips you to deliver subscriber-only content via RSS in WordPress. For more, explore our 9 essential RSS snippets and tricks for WordPress.

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