# Delaying the WordPress RSS feed publishing time

> Delay when new WordPress posts appear in your RSS feed with a code snippet so you have time to check them first.

Source: https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/wordpress/guides/delaying-the-wordpress-rss-feed-publishing-time/

By default, WordPress publishes new posts immediately to your RSS feed. This can sometimes push out unfinished or unreviewed content. On **ruachost.com**, you can delay RSS feed publishing time with a simple code snippet, giving you time to validate content before it reaches subscribers.

## Why Delay RSS Feed Publishing?

- Prevents accidental publishing of incomplete posts.
- Allows time for proofreading and content review.
- Helps avoid sending incorrect or unpolished content to subscribers.
- Useful for editorial teams managing scheduled posts.

## Steps to Delay RSS Feed Publishing

1. **Log in to WordPress** with an administrator account.
2. In the dashboard, go to **Appearance → Theme Editor**.
3. Select your active theme and open the **functions.php** file.
4. Add the following code snippet at the end of the file:

   ```
   // Delay RSS feed publishing time
   function extend_rss_time_frame($where) {
       global $wpdb;
       if (is_feed()) {
           $now = gmdate('Y-m-d H:i:s');
           $wait = '60'; // delay by 60 minutes
           $device = 'MINUTE';
           $where .= " AND TIMESTAMPDIFF($device, $wpdb->posts.post_date_gmt, '$now') > $wait ";
       }
       return $where;
   }
   add_filter('posts_where', 'extend_rss_time_frame');
   ```

   - Replace `60` with the number of minutes you want to delay.
   - Example: `100` delays publishing by 100 minutes.
5. Save the file.
6. Refresh your site → RSS feeds will now respect the delay before publishing new posts.

## Important Notes

- Always back up your theme before editing files.
- Use a **child theme** to preserve changes during updates.
- Test the delay thoroughly to ensure it meets your workflow needs.
- This only affects RSS feeds, not the actual post publishing on your site.