X is making a significant push to reclaim its developer community through a revamped API pricing model launched on October 20, 2025. The platform has shifted from monthly flat fees to a flexible usage-based pricing structure, aiming to create more accessible entry points for smaller developers and projects.
More Flexible Developer Access
The new pricing approach eliminates rigid monthly packages in favor of charges based on actual usage patterns. X will also reduce rate limits and implement scaled pricing depending on the level of access required. The company has developed an interactive dashboard allowing developers to estimate costs for their specific data needs before committing to the platform. Selected developers can now apply to join a beta program, with successful applicants receiving a $500 voucher to build with the X API.
Pricing Remains Competitive Challenge
However, initial analysis suggests the new model may not deliver significant savings. The current basic package at $200 monthly provides 15,000 read and 50,000 write posts. Using the new dashboard calculator, identical usage would cost approximately $575 monthly—a substantial increase. This raises questions about whether the restructured pricing will effectively lure back the developers who abandoned X after steep API hikes following Elon Musk’s acquisition in 2022.
X’s aggressive monetization strategy previously shut down numerous third-party apps and platforms that relied on Twitter’s open API ecosystem. While this update represents a step toward developer-friendly policies, the pricing remains considerably higher than Twitter’s original rates, making a significant return of legacy applications unlikely. Nevertheless, the changes could enable existing platforms to enhance their X integration features.