X Revamps API Pricing Structure in Bid to Re-Engage Developers

Social media platform X has introduced a revised API pricing model aimed at making its developer tools more accessible – particularly for smaller projects – after a period of steep cost increases that prompted backlash from the developer community.

Under the updated framework, X is shifting toward a usage-based pricing model that ties cost to actual data access rather than a flat monthly fee. The company states it has also reduced rate limits and will roll out a revamped Developer Console to simplify access. “Our top focus is to enable builders by opening up our developer platform,” X said in its announcement.

The revision targets a community of app-makers, researchers, and small enterprises who were effectively priced out by earlier API pricing measures. Since Elon Musk’s acquisition of the platform, API access has become substantially more expensive, with the Basic tier previously rising from US $100 to US $200 per month and enterprise access reaching into six-figure monthly ranges.

As part of the relaunch, X is offering selected developers access to the new pricing structure via a beta programme. Applicants will be chosen on an “as-selected” basis and will receive a US $500 credit voucher to begin work with the API. X indicated that the programme will prioritise high-quality use-cases aligned with its data access goals.