“X” Tests Pay-Per-Use API Model to Court Developers

The social platform formerly known as Twitter rolls out a closed-beta pay-per-use API plan, signalling a major developer strategy shift.:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Two years after one of the most controversial API overhauls in social-media history, X is opening a closed-beta of a new **pay-per-use API pricing model**. The move aims to win back developers who were alienated by the steep tier-based system introduced in 2023.:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

According to a post from X’s developer account, “We are expanding a closed beta to both new & power users who want to ship amazing apps on X.” The new model shows a breakdown of costs by action — reading posts, creating posts, DMs, trends, bookmarks — and includes a calculator so developers can estimate usage.:contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Prior to this change, X’s API pricing relied on broad tiers. In early 2023 the company ended free access, introduced a $100/month basic tier (now $200/month), a $5,000/month Pro plan and an enterprise tier costing up to $42,000/month. Many small developers and research apps couldn’t keep up.:contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

With the new “pay-for-what-you-use” approach, X is signalling a more flexible strategy — arguably essential if it intends to foster a vibrant developer ecosystem again. For African tech entrepreneurs and app builders, this could be an opportunity. Platforms that foster local innovation thrive when their APIs are accessible and affordable.

Still, the shift isn’t without question marks. It remains unclear whether X will maintain the older tier-based system alongside this new model or eventually retire it altogether. The beta also comes at a time when trust among developers is low, after the 2023 shake-up that resulted in many apps shutting down.:contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

On the continent, where mobile and app innovation is strong but developer resources may be more constrained, the cost of platform integration still matters. If X’s new model delivers true usage-based pricing, African startups may get a better chance to build integrations, bots or analytics tools without being locked into expensive monthly fees.

🧠 TechTribe-One Insight

X’s move toward pay-per-use APIs shows that platform economics are being re-written. For African developers and startups this could mean the difference between building on global platforms or being priced out — and could open a new chapter in local innovation and developer ecosystems.