Twitter API Changes Could Price Third-Party Apps Out of the Market

The world of technology is ever-changing, and this week we’re getting a glimpse at a significant update from Twitter that could have far-reaching implications for developers, researchers, and apps. Twitter has announced a dramatic increase in the cost of its API access which could price many third-party apps, as well as research studies, out of the market. 

Twitter has always offered its basic access to the API for free, but it recently announced changes in order to combat developers using the API for ill intent. Under the new plan, developers will need to pay a minimum of $42,000 per month to access the ‘Small’ API access package. This is a huge increase compared to the previous top-tier pricing, which was only $2,899 per month. 

The new costs will affect many developers, who may need help to afford to use the API. This could result in the shutdown of multiple third-party Twitter apps, as well as many research studies that are based on tweets. The changes are a part of Twitter’s plan to get the business back on the right track and reduce costs wherever possible. Under new CEO Elon Musk, Twitter was losing $4 million per day, which led to staff cutbacks, the closure of one of the app’s data centers, and the shutting down of international offices. 

It remains to be seen how these changes will impact the app and its users, but for developers and researchers, the introduction of the new pricing plans will have a noticeable effect. While some developers may find a way to work around the changes and stay in business, many apps and research studies will be lost as a result of the increased costs. 

In summary, Twitter’s new API access charges could dramatically reshape the app, as many third-party apps and research studies that rely on the API could be priced out of the market. This is all a part of Twitter’s plan to reduce costs and make the business sustainable as CEO Elon Musk works to get the app back in the black. While some developers may find a way to adapt to the changes, many could be forced to shut down in the wake of the new API access costs.