The Old Reader

About The Old Reader

The Old Reader provides an API for its RSS/feed reading service, modeled on the unofficial Google Reader API. It uses JSON as the supported response format and BSON ObjectIds (rather than URLs) to identify users, items, and subscriptions. Authentication is handled via a token obtained through a ClientLogin request, then passed in an Authorization header on subsequent calls.

The API exposes methods for managing subscriptions (listing, adding, OPML export), folders (listing, renaming, removing), friends (listing, following/unfollowing), comments, tags, unread counts, user info, and preferences. Third-party libraries exist for PHP and Ruby, and OAuth apps/extensions built on the API are listed on theoldreader.com.

This is intended for developers building applications or integrations on top of The Old Reader's feed-reading service, such as alternative clients or extensions. The repository accepts documentation contributions via pull requests, and bugs can be reported through GitHub issues or by emailing api@theoldreader.com.

Key features

• Google Reader-compatible RSS reader API
• Manage feed subscriptions (add, list, export as OPML)
• Organize subscriptions into folders/tags (list, rename, remove)
• Track unread counts across reading list, folders, subscriptions, and friends
• Follow/unfollow friends and post comments on items
• Token-based authentication via ClientLogin

Frequently asked questions