Usage-based instead of flat rate: X changes costs of its developer interface
X is once again reforming its fee structure for the developer interface. While the entry barrier is decreasing, the costs are likely to remain similar.
API access on X will be billed based on usage from now on.
(Image: X)
The social network X is changing its pricing model for the use of its developer interfaces. The service, formerly known as Twitter and owned by Elon Musk, is switching from flat-rate subscription payments to usage-based fees. This is expected to lower the barrier to entry for using the X API. However, calculations show that moderate usage will quickly reach the previous price level.
“The core of X developers consists of independent developers, early-stage products, startups, and hobby developers,” announced the official X developer account on the network. “It's time to open up our X API ecosystem and create a new wave of next-generation X apps. We are back.”
No return to old Twitter times
The new prices range from 0.005 to 0.015 US dollars per call. Distinctions are made between API queries for posts, users, direct messages, and content, among others.
Of course, API access is still a long way from the times before Musk's purchase of Twitter in 2022. The early years of the network were considered a “golden era” by developers. Until around 2010, the Twitter API was wide open. Third-party apps like Twitterific or Tweetbot contributed massively to the network's growth. There were hardly any restrictions, and the API could be used for free.
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Eventful history of the API
However, even before Twitter changed hands, the sunny days for developers were over. As part of its monetization strategy, Twitter tightened its grip on the API. Usage caps were introduced, and the focus for using the interfaces shifted to analysis and business tools. Musk's acquisition led to a strict monetization course and the overnight exclusion of popular apps.
Later, the pricing that was valid until the current change was introduced: Developers had to pay at least 200 US dollars per month after an initial 100 US dollars – this included a Basic Tier, which was sufficient for small tools and bots. The problem, however, was that after reaching the upper limit, access was automatically cut off for the rest of the month. Startups and scaling apps therefore opted directly for the Pro Tier, which set a high entry barrier at 5000 US dollars per month.
Competitors offer free access
Competitors of X offer the use of their developer interfaces for free, albeit sometimes with limited functionality. For example, Meta's Threads only allows API access relevant for analysis and posting tools. The open-source Mastodon grants developers full freedom but has a smaller user base compared to the major competitors. Bluesky, on the other hand, builds on old Twitter times but is also very small in comparison.
(mki)
