Reddit is introducing API rate limits and premium plans

Reddit has announced that it is introducing API rate remits and a new premium access plan that will affect a number of third-party apps.

Reddit API changes

Reddit API changes will take effect on June 1, 2023. Reddit attributes the changes to expansive access to its data via API which is affecting the platform. It was not made clear how, but it probably means that the high demand for Reddit’s API Data was compromising the platform’s revenue.

Reddit also says that it will limit access to mature content via Data API to curtail how such content is discovered and used by third-party applications.

Just like Twitter, the new Reddit API paid access model is likely to cause a number of popular third-party apps to either shut down or introduce income-generation options.

Reddit API access costs

In 2022, 8.3 billion pieces of content were created on Reddit.  With the rising demand for Reddit’s human-to-human conversation data, a new pricing model had to be introduced to meet the API requests and data transfer costs.

In this regard, Reddit is moving to a paid API plan for third-party apps. The cost of API will be priced according to usage, not flat rate. Specific API prices have not yet been made public.

Affected third-party apps

Reddit 3rd party iOS and Android apps like  Relay For Reddit, Boost for Reddit, Rif is Fun, Joey for Reddit, BaconReader, and Apollo are likely to be affected by the changes. Reddit says that it is still in consultation with developers to understand which content will be possible to access for free via API and other considerations.

Read more about Reddit’s statement regarding the API changes or Reddit Data API Terms.