Short answer
The X API lets apps read and write posts, users and other data programmatically; since February 2026 most developers pay per use, the free tier is limited to approved public-utility apps, and Basic and Pro plans remain available.
Key takeaways
- Free API access was effectively ended in February 2026 outside public-utility apps.
- Pay-per-use replaced flat pricing for most new projects.
- Plan for limits per endpoint and budget for every request.
For over a decade, Twitter's API was famously open: free access powered thousands of apps, bots and research projects. That ended in 2023, and in 2026 X changed the model again.
What is the X API?
A set of web endpoints that let software read and write X data: posts, users, likes, follows, lists, media and more.
Apps use it to schedule posts, analyze conversations, run bots and build clients. Access starts at the X developer portal (developer.x.com, documentation at docs.x.com), where you create a project and app to get keys.
How has access changed?
From free and generous, to tiered subscriptions in 2023, to pay-per-use in 2026.
| Period | Model |
|---|---|
| Until early 2023 | Free standard access, plus paid enterprise |
| 2023 to 2025 | Tiers: Free (very limited, mostly posting), Basic, Pro, Enterprise; prices rose over time |
| February 2026 on | Pay-per-use for most developers; free access only for approved public-utility apps; Basic and Pro still offered with an opt-in to pay-per-use |
Specific prices per request and per plan change, so check the developer portal before building a budget.
What does it mean for small projects?
Every request costs something, so design for efficiency.
- Cache results instead of polling.
- Request only the fields you need.
- Use streaming or filtered endpoints where available instead of repeated searches.
- Expect rate limits per endpoint per 15-minute window; see rate limits.
Are there alternatives?
For posting, X's own scheduler in X Pro (Premium); for reading, official embeds and RSS from sources; for research, X's academic or enterprise programs where available.
Scraping breaks X's terms and invites blocks. If you need a bot, read how to make an X bot.
Questions people ask
Is the X API free?
Not for typical use since February 2026. X kept free access for public-utility apps and gave existing free users a one-time credit when moving them to pay-per-use.
What happened to the old Twitter API v1.1?
Most v1.1 endpoints were retired in favor of API v2 in 2023. New projects should use v2 through the X developer platform.
Can I still build a bot?
Yes, but you'll pay for API calls and must follow X's automation rules, including labeling automated accounts.