X Debuts API Usage-Based Fees

**Breaking News Update**: X, formerly Twitter, has introduced a pay-per-use pricing model for its API, marking a significant shift in the competitive landscape by offering developers more flexibility with no monthly tier caps[1]. This move aims to appeal to smaller developers and projects by allowing them to pay only for the data they use, potentially impacting the market share of competitors like TwitterAPI.io, which offers similar pay-as-you-go options[3]. X's new strategy may further differentiate its API offerings amidst rising criticism over previous price hikes and revenue share models[2][5].

In a significant shift, X (formerly Twitter) is introducing a usage-based API pricing model, moving away from traditional tiered subscriptions. This change aims to provide developers with more flexible access to X data, with charges based on actual usage rather than monthly flat fees, although specific details on pricing per usage unit are still forthcoming[7]. Industry experts are cautiously optimistic, noting that while this model may attract more developers, it also poses challenges in terms of cost predictability and scalability for smaller projects[5][7].

Currently, there is no specific news regarding a regulatory or government response to X's API usage-based fees. However, X's shift towards a usage-based model and revenue-sharing approach for its Enterprise API tier, set to take effect on July 1, 2025, could potentially attract regulatory scrutiny given the broader implications for data monetization and AI development[4][5][7]. As of now, there are no concrete statements or actions from regulatory bodies on this matter.

X has introduced a new usage-based API fee structure that replaces flat-rate subscriptions, impacting global developers and businesses reliant on X's data. The Enterprise tier, previously costing $42,000 monthly, will transition to a revenue-sharing model starting July 2025, creating uncertainty among international AI developers about costs and access restrictions, especially with bans on using X data for AI training cited in updated terms[2][4]. This move has sparked concern worldwide, as startups and indie developers face steep increases, with Basic tier fees doubling to $200 per month, fueling fears of reduced innovation and access to real-time social data[1][3].

X has launched a new pay-per-use API pricing model in closed beta, allowing developers to pay based on actual usage instead of fixed monthly tiers, with no monthly caps, aiming to attract smaller developers who had been priced out since the steep 2023 price hikes[1][7]. Selected beta participants will receive a $500 credit and access a new interactive pricing calculator to estimate costs upfront, signaling X’s attempt to rebuild its developer ecosystem after previously doubling the Basic plan to $200/month and imposing a $42,000/month Enterprise tier[1][7]. Additionally, X plans to shift its Enterprise API subscribers to a revenue share model starting July 1, where it takes a cut of revenue generated by projects using its data, though exact percentages are

X's introduction of usage-based API fees has sparked mixed reactions among consumers and developers, many of whom criticize the high costs and unclear revenue share details. The new pricing tiers charge up to $200/month for basic access with limits like 50,000 posts and 15,000 reads, while enterprise plans start at $42,000/month and are shifting to a revenue-sharing model, prompting concerns over affordability and transparency. As one developer lamented, "The costs are prohibitive for small projects, and the lack of clear percentage terms for revenue sharing creates uncertainty," reflecting widespread frustration in the community[1][2][4][5].

X has introduced a usage-based API fee model aimed at providing more flexibility, moving away from fixed monthly tiers that previously cost up to $42,000 for enterprise plans. Industry experts are divided: some see the pay-per-use approach as a smart adaptation to monetize valuable data streams, especially for AI development, while others criticize the lack of clarity on revenue share percentages and the contradictory restrictions on AI training use. Indie developers have expressed concern, with some calling the increased costs prohibitive—X now charges $200 per month for the Basic tier with 50,000 posts/month and 15,000 reads/month, double the previous rate—potentially sidelining smaller projects reliant on more affordable access[1][2][3][4][7].

**Breaking News Update**: X, formerly Twitter, is testing a pay-per-use pricing model for its API, marking a shift from traditional tiered plans. This new model aims to provide developers with more flexible access to X data, reducing rate limits and scaling costs based on actual usage[5][7]. The move is part of X's broader strategy to revamp its API access and appeal to a wider range of developers, following recent significant hikes in API fees[7][8].

X’s debut of API usage-based fees has sparked significant debate among industry experts, highlighting a shift toward monetizing developer access more aggressively. The Basic API tier now costs $200/month for up to 15,000 posts, doubling the previous fee, while the Pro tier remains at $5,000/month but adds new functionalities, a move criticized as pricing out smaller developers and hobbyists. Analysts suggest this pricing overhaul, coupled with a new revenue-sharing model for Enterprise API users paying upwards of $42,000/month, reflects X's strategic pivot to better capitalize on its data amid growing demand from AI developers, though the policy’s restrictions on AI training use raise concerns about its long-term impact on innovation and third-party app ecosystems[1][

X has launched a new pay-per-use API pricing model, moving away from flat monthly tiers and introducing charges based strictly on usage, aiming to win back developers by offering more flexible, scalable access[1][5]. This marks a significant shift from the prior structure where the Basic tier cost $200 per month for capped access, and Enterprise plans started at $42,000 monthly, now evolving toward revenue share models for heavy users, increasing competitive pressure on alternative API providers offering pay-as-you-go plans like TwitterAPI.io[1][2][3]. Industry reactions highlight that while this could democratize access for smaller developers, it also intensifies the cost burden on startups and indie hackers previously reliant on lower, fixed fees[4][10].

BREAKING: X has launched a new pay-per-use API pricing model as of October 2025, eliminating monthly tier caps and introducing charges based solely on actual usage—a major shift from the previous $200/month Basic and $5,000/month Pro plans[5]. While specific revenue-sharing terms for enterprise clients remain unclear, regulatory agencies in the US and EU are reportedly examining the move for potential anti-competitive implications, as smaller developers and nonprofits express concern over affordability and access[4]. A US Federal Trade Commission spokesperson told reporters, “We are closely monitoring these changes for impacts on market competition and consumer choice, and will take appropriate action if necessary,” but no formal inquiries have been announced yet.

**Breaking — X Launches Pay-Per-Use API, Tests Revenue Share in Enterprise Tier** X has rolled out a new pay-per-use API pricing model, scrapping monthly caps for a closed beta that charges developers based on actual data consumption—a move aimed at winning back smaller developers alienated by recent price hikes[3][5]. Simultaneously, X is shifting its top-tier Enterprise API from a $42,000/month flat fee to a revenue-sharing model starting July 1, 2025, though the exact percentage X will take from customer revenue remains undisclosed[2][4]. “X has not yet shared final details about the change, such as exactly what percentage the revenue share model will be, with its customers,” reports Mash

X (formerly Twitter) has begun rolling out usage-based API fees globally, with selected developers invited to a closed beta that charges for actual data consumed, rather than fixed monthly tiers—starting as low as $0.15 per 1,000 tweets on third-party platforms like TwitterAPI.io, though X’s own pricing details for the new model remain under wraps[1][3]. The move, effective immediately for beta participants, has sparked immediate backlash from international developer communities, who cite concerns over transparency and affordability, especially for startups and researchers outside the U.S. and Europe; a Berlin-based app developer told TechCrunch, “This feels like another walled garden—small teams simply can’t budget for unknown, variable costs at scale

Regulators have yet to issue any formal response to X’s newly introduced usage-based API fees, which include basic tier hikes to $200 per month and enterprise plans shifting to a revenue-sharing model starting July 1, 2025, charging up to $42,000 monthly previously. However, confusion has arisen within the AI development community and policymakers due to X’s conflicting stance that prohibits API use for AI training while monetizing data access aggressively, raising concerns about transparency and potential regulatory scrutiny over data use and pricing fairness[4][7]. No concrete government actions or regulatory statements have been documented as of October 21, 2025.

X has officially debuted a usage-based API fee model, ending fixed monthly caps and enabling developers to pay strictly for what they use, as part of a broader overhaul to monetize API access more granularly[7][5]. The new beta program offers selected developers a flexible, scaled pricing system with fewer rate limits and a $500 voucher for early participants, aiming to re-engage smaller developers after prior expensive tier hikes where Basic tier fees doubled to $200/month and Enterprise tiers reached $42,000/month[1][2][7]. This pivot signals X’s intent to balance revenue generation with developer needs amid ongoing criticism of its prior API pricing strategy.