Twitter is continuing to charge for its API in order to make its product more exclusive, but at least it’s not restricting access to the app entirely. The company is also providing developers with a few new tools, such as the Ads API. This allows them to create custom ads and manage their accounts more effectively. Overall, Twitter’s efforts seem focused on drawing in more paying users rather than making its free app as inclusive as possible.
In the wake of its API Plan shutdown announcement, which was initially set for February 9th, the company has now extended this deadline to February 13th. But with no further information being provided about pricing changes or access levels, it seems as though this extension is only symbolic – developers won’t be able to plan their changes until further notice.
Paid basic access that offers low level of API usage, and access to Ads API for a $100 monthly fee.
— Twitter Dev (@TwitterDev) February 8, 2023
A Basic Account on the Ads API provides a limited amount of access to the platform’s data, but comes with a $100 monthly fee. This account does not allow for deeper integrations with third-party applications or access to more advanced features such as live data and real-time bidding.
On February 8, 2023, TwitterDev publishes a tweet declaring that the platform is going offline for maintenance. This marks the first time Twitter has gone offline for maintenance in over two years. At the time of this
The continued onslaught of criticism against Twitter’s announcement last week regarding their plans to allow ‘bots’ to post information and pictures has left the company with a dilemma – how do they provide valuable content when users are already turning against the platform? To rectify this, Twitter has announced that they will provide a free API for bot developers who wish to create accounts that solely post good content. This limit of 1,500 tweets per month (or two tweets per hour) will ensure that only high-quality posts made by bots will be allowed on the platform.
A new form of free access will be introduced as this is extremely important to our ecosystem – limited to Tweet creation of up to 1,500 Tweets per month for a single authenticated user token, including Login with Twitter.
— Twitter Dev (@TwitterDev) February 8, 2023
This limited tweet creation access is a big step forward for tweeting, as it will allow users to create more interesting and engaging Tweets without having to worry about exceeding their monthly limit. This new form of free access will make Tweeting more accessible and easier for everyone, so be sure to give it a try!
Twitter Dev is a major social media platform for people to share their thoughts and experiences. It’s been around since 2006, and has over 338 million active users.
The change to depreciating premium API access is a worry for those who subscribed to elevated access with version 1.1 of the service. While not specified, it is unclear if these folks will be affected by the change.
Also on February 13, we will deprecate the Premium API. If you’re subscribed to Premium, you can apply for Enterprise to continue using these endpoints.
— Twitter Dev (@TwitterDev) February 8, 2023
Beginning on February 13, 2018, we will be discontinuing the Premium API. If you’re subscribed to Premium, you can apply for Enterprise to continue using these endpoints.
In February of 2023, Twitter announced that they had developed a new algorithm that would factor in content based on engagement. This change would see more positive and engaging tweets rise to the top of the queue, while less
Since the social media company discontinued free API tiers, researchers have relied on the data to signal trends around hate speech or misinformation. However, this dependence leaves these researchers at risk as Twitter discontinues access to the data. Unless a solution is provided, academic research could be significantly hindered on Twitter moving forward.
Some engineers have pointed out that Twitter API is also used to help solve natural disasters like earthquakes. If Twitter were to discontinue the free tier, then these solutions will likely no longer be possible.
Couldn’t come at a worse time. Most analysts and programmers that are building apps and functions for Turkey earthquake aid and relief, and are literally saving lives, are reliant on Twitter API. Any limit/structure/architecture change will make everyone’s life difficult.
— Akin Unver (@AkinUnver) February 8, 2023
The restrictions on how much data Twitter can process could be a huge inhibitor to the speed and effectiveness of people working on earthquake relief efforts. If the limits were to restrict access to certain portions of the API, many developers would have a much more difficult time building customized scripts or applications that help with search and rescue efforts.
Akin Unver is an artist, author, and activist whose work explores the intersections of race, gender, sexuality, and class. In his latest project, “Invisible Openings,” Unver documents
Musk’s recent decision to make API access paid is likely meant to bring in more money into Twitter. With only 180,000 people signing up for the new Twitter Blue service in the US, it’s clear that there is a lot of room for growth. Additionally, given how popular third-party tools and applications are on social media platforms, charging for access to these resources might be the best way for Twitter to attract more revenue.
