What Is Twitter API? All the Details About This Interface

Twitter’s application programming interface, called its API, is simply a link between the social platform and other programs. It allows developers to read and write data on the social media platform. By providing access to its API, X, formerly Twitter, allows others to create software that integrates with the platform. But because the application programming interface is broader, there are more questions like “What is Twitter API?”

The interface links third-party applications that help perform different tasks to the social media platform. Recent changes to this feature have seen many third-party services lose access to X’s API. While access to the platform’s API was mostly free, the recent changes have included certain restrictions to the feature. For instance, there are different fees for different tiers of the API. This guide discusses all the changes to this feature and how to access it.

What Are the Recent Twitter API Changes? 4 Important Updates

Since the recent Twitter takeover in October 2022, the platform has undergone several drastic changes. These changes followed the variation to X’s algorithm. One of these changes has been to the platform’s application programming interface. The most glaring variation among the Twitter API changes is the pricing structure. However, there have been other differences as well.

For instance, the platform announced it was deprecating two features in the API’s legacy endpoints. Besides these, the social media platform also deprecated the filter and statuses endpoint in its recent API version. In addition, the company rebuilt its new API with a more modern foundation in mind. These changes also affected endpoints relating to direct messages.

Because of this modernized foundation, the platform can implement new features and correct problems more effectively. The social media service’s recent API update also unified all the access levels into one unit. This is to help developers change their tiers and update their permissions as their requirements vary with time.

The platform’s changes to the Twitter API, meaning the application programming interface also provides an allowance for additional updates. This way, the platform can better implement updates, which may include additional endpoints, access levels, and features. But to make things easier for developers, the platform allowed them to move their previous integrations into the new API version.

The platform’s new API endpoints include:

1. Features to search endpoints that allow Twitter developers access to historical posts and post counts.
2. Updated endpoints that allow users to obtain posts by their IDs and upload endpoints.
3. Endpoints carrying features supporting new data fields, including post annotations and advanced metrics. 
4. The endpoints for requesting specific fields and choosing specific responses.

What Is Twitter API Pricing? How Much Do the Different Tiers Cost?

The new updates to the X or Twitter API also included the introduction of different pricing tiers. These pricing tiers offer different features that support projects from write-only uses to business and commercial projects. These Twitter API pricing tiers begin from the free tier and scale up to the enterprise tier.

Here are the different pricing tiers, their features, and how they cost:

1. Free API Tier on X: The free tier on X is the simplest class of the platform’s application programming interface. It is mostly useful for write-only use cases and to test the interface. It supports publishing 1,500 posts monthly with a posting limit at the application level. The free tier also supports just one app ID.
2. Basic API Tier on X: The Basic tier of X’s application programming interface costs $100 monthly. It allows developers to use two app IDs with a read-limit rate capacity of 10,000 posts per month. It also has a posting limit of 50,000 posts per month. This tier is ideal for hobbyists and developers looking to build prototypes. 
3. Pro API Plan: The Pro plan costs $5,000 monthly and supports three application IDs. This plan works well for startups looking to scale their businesses. It allows publishing a million posts, and its rate-limited access includes a search and filtered stream. 
4. Enterprise API Tier on X: The Enterprise plan, the highest API tier on X, works perfectly for businesses and scaled commercial projects. Its pricing is application-based, starting at $42,000 per month. It offers commercial-level access that meets the specific needs of developers.

How To Obtain Twitter API Access: All the Steps You Need

You must access the API before creating a third-party service with X or Twitter. This Twitter API access provides a unique connection with the social media platform via unique API keys. These keys act as your passcode and indicate where specific requests emanate, even when you’ve built an adjoining service.

So, here is how to obtain this access:

1. First, sign up for your developer account: Signing up for your developer account on X is the first step toward obtaining access to the API. Of course, the platform requires that you answer a few questions before you begin exploring. During the onboarding phase, you’d create a project before receiving credentials that’ll help authenticate your requests to the API.
2. Save and secure your app’s token and key: After creating a project, you can generate an API key and an access token. You’ll also create a client ID and an app-only access token. Remember to save these keys and tokens, as you’ll have to use them in the future.
3. Make a request to the API: The next step will be to request the application programming interface. Of course, you can access guides that’ll help you make your first request to the Twitter API.

Afterward, choose an endpoint to begin. You can also access the X API tools and libraries for your integration. Unlike other features, the API is not exclusive to professional accounts on Twitter.

Why Is the Twitter API Down for Most Third-Party Applications?

Since the social media company rolled out the updates to its API, many third-party applications have announced their exit. The once-vibrant array of third-party services that ran hand-in-hand with the social media application has dwindled considerably. But why has this happened, and why is the Twitter API down for these applications?

The major reason for the shutdown of most third-party apps affiliating with Twitter is its new API policies. For instance, the charges accompanying API access have rendered many apps helpless. Many budding third-party services relayed that they cannot keep up with the monthly fees and have folded.

Apart from that, the multiple API changes have also disconnected some apps from the system. For example, the company removed the followers and following endpoints from the API. This action rendered some applications with these endpoints as their key resource unable to play their initial role. Thus, they could no longer track who unfollowed a user on X and who follows whom on the platform. So, if you had previously asked, “What is Twitter API,” you’ve had your answer.

Several third-party applications are still in business despite the X or Twitter API changes. For instance, TweetDelete allows users to filter and delete bulk posts from their profiles. This web app also permits users to import their archives, performing specialized deletion tasks with a few clicks. Since it does not spread promotions, it is ideal for all users. Start filtering and cleaning your Twitter timeline today!