Archive — US — techcrunch
X makes it more expensive to post links through its API
Social network X increased its API link posting costs from $0.01 to $0.20 to combat spam, causing some platforms like Techmeme to remove links from their tweets due to financial implications. Despite company claims, concerns about dropped engagement persist, igniting debates over the impact on news dissemination.
Key points
- X increased API link posting prices from $0.01 to $0.20, and posting prices from $0.01 to $0.15.
- These changes are intended to reduce spam and misuse on the platform.
- Techmeme removed links from tweets citing increased costs and decreased engagement as major reasons.
- Study by Nieman Lab indicated that posts with links resulted in lower engagement.
- X's head of product disputed this study, suggesting an alternative posting strategy is necessary.
- Techmeme's founder expressed concerns that news sites will face high costs due to the new pricing.
Why it matters
- X's decision aligns with wider trends in 2025 where platforms are increasingly addressing spam and ensuring content authenticity.
- The debate over link sharing and engagement is mirrored in larger discussions about social media platform algorithms and their impacts on information dissemination.
- Historically, changes in platform policies have affected how news agencies distribute content, influencing public access to information.
The price hike on API link posting by X represents a significant shift in social media dynamics, potentially stifling information spread, as news outlets reevaluate their strategies amidst higher operational costs.