Reddit API changes are imminent. Here’s what’s happening to your favorite apps

[DudeAsInCool]

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It's been a contentious journey, but Reddit's new API pricing will take effect on July 1. What started as a fight over creating an affordable option for valued third-party Reddit apps has evolved into a bitter battle pitting Reddit against indignant developers, mods, and users. Protests remain, but some users are now preparing to exit the platform, including some of Reddit's most seasoned moderators.

Where does that leave third-party developers, some of which said they would have to pay Reddit $20 million annually to continue? Ars Technica spoke with developers to learn where their apps stand, how some will manage to stay afloat, and what Reddit's changes mean for the future.

Surviving apps

When Reddit announced that, starting on July 1, it would no longer permit free API access except for certain non-commercial apps, many Reddit app developers responded by telling users that they were unsure if they could keep the apps running. Now that the new API pricing ($12,000 per 50 million API requests) is set to be reality, here's a look at the most popular apps that will still be available.

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[MGRex]

Many third-party Reddit app developers expressed uncertainty about the future of their apps, given the new b2b api meaning and pricing. Some developers estimated that they would have to pay Reddit substantial amounts, up to $20 million annually, to continue operating their apps. This pricing change led to protests and discontent among Reddit users, moderators, and developers. Some of the most seasoned moderators on the platform expressed their intention to leave Reddit in response to these changes.

Despite the challenges posed by the new API pricing, some popular Reddit apps managed to find ways to stay afloat and continue to serve their users. The article you mentioned in Ars Technica likely discusses these apps and their strategies for adapting to the new pricing structure.

These changes in Reddit's API pricing have raised questions about the future of third-party Reddit apps and the relationship between Reddit, its developers, and the user community. Developers are likely exploring various options, such as finding alternative revenue sources or adjusting their apps to fit within the new pricing model, while users and moderators consider whether to stay on the platform or seek alternatives.

Edited November 1, 2023 by MGRex