X Removes Likes and Follows from Free API Tier to Combat Spam and Boost Revenue

The formerly known Twitter has once again put a stricter clause on its developer API, this time locking iOS build configurations on its developer application program interface (API). The company, helmed by Elon Musk, explained that it would remove two key functions, like posts and following accounts, through the API, which functions as a free-tier service. These are generally the main actions developers will use to create tools, bots, or applications that are used on the platform. 

The action is the latest in a trend toward restricting spam, curbing false interactions, and encouraging developers to subscribe to fee-based API plans. The end result is that smaller developers/startups may be seriously impacted by the changes, even though the company says the changes will enhance user experience.

Why X Had to Make

The company explains the move by saying that it would safeguard the platform against spam, bots and activities of manipulation. It is possible to have automated systems that will like posts or follow accounts which create an illusion of popularity and can distort conversations of the masses. X has eliminated these features in the free plan to make it more difficult to have bad actors to misuse the platform.

This move is representative of one of Musk’s long-established arguments against bots and spam, which he has admonished over and over again prior to assuming ownership of twitter. Since then, he has implemented numerous measures to combat fake activity, however, many of them raise the question of whether they also negatively affect developers and smaller communities on the platform.

The Implications to the Developers

The developers are faced with the disadvantage of a thin line between the free and the paid users. The free-tier developers will continue using a few features of API but they can now no longer carry out two of the most popular social activities on X, likes and follows.

Users that require such additional features have to upgrade to a paid subscription plan now. The paid versions Basic, Pro, or Enterprise offer wider access, increased rate limits, and more tools. The cheapest of the plans, the Basic plan, however, still is expensive enough to raise the cost threshold that some independent developers may see as unacceptable.

A pattern of API restrictions

This is not the first time X has put a stranglehold on its API. In 2023, the company first announced the consumption of free API access, a move that went against developers who used free API access to build research, apps, or so-called good bots such as weather alerts. Following this criticism, X made some changes back to a partial free subscription but the trend was upwards, to turn the API into a subscription.

Subsequently, in October of 2023, X increased the price of the Basic program to $200 dollars per month. It also expanded usage bandwidth, making it more appealing to bigger endeavors but out of the reach of small developers. Now that likes and follows are removed, it further pressures the user to either go premium, or not at all.

Striking a Revenue and Community Balance

The alterations point to the conflict between corporate objectives of X and the whole developer world. To X, the access of the APIs is something that can easily be charged, and this is the best choice to turn what would be an abuse to revenue. To developers, especially the smaller developers these restrictions feel like shackles against creativity, experimentation and innovation on the platform.

Some of the most well-known third-party tools created to work with Twitter began as small developer projects. By limping off unrestricted access to fundamental features, X could also deter addition of life into the platform by the same community as has occurred heretofore.

The Longer View

The deletion of likes and follows to the free level of API is part of the wider agenda by Musk to make X a different entity. After assuming control, he has driven to shift the platform toward monetization, including paid verification and new subscription offering. A limit to free access to APIs is included in this push since the developers are now encouraged to pay to have access to features they did not have too previously.

Meanwhile, it brings into question the manner in which the platform is striking the delicate balance between growth and openness. The developers tend to introduce innovative ideas and services that can improve the experience of a user. In case the access is made too expensive, or restricted, then X can lose out on the source of innovation.

The decision by TikTok to limit likes and follows on its free API tier is a massive change that also reflects the battle against spam and the company is raising revenue. Although this change will perhaps decrease any false engagement, it will also make independent developers and smaller projects more difficult.

The move is part of a wider trend of rolling back access initially purged by Musk X in 2023, when it began to remodel the API into a paid service. The future implications would be based on how capable developers would respond by upgrading to the paid plans or marshal off developing on the platform. What is evident is that X is giving more weight to revenue and control than openness, a move that could dictate the future of the platform.