X has rolled out a closed beta for its new API pricing model, offering developers a usage-based alternative to the current tiered plans.
Announcing our beta launch: X API pay-per-use model.
We are expanding a closed beta to both new & power users who want to ship amazing apps on X.
All selected users will receive a $500 voucher to build with the X API. 🤑💻🚀 pic.twitter.com/Rc6KxMIPOZ
— Developers (@XDevelopers) October 20, 2025
According to TechCrunch, the company is inviting both new and existing developers to apply through its developer portal.
The new model charges based on actual API calls rather than fixed monthly fees, with pricing that varies by function such as reading posts, sending direct messages, retrieving bookmarks, or checking trends.
A calculator on the API page allows users to estimate projected costs depending on their usage volume.
A comparison chart on the site shows the differences between the two systems.
The previous plans charged fixed monthly fees of US$200 for basic access or US$5,000 for the Pro plan, each with strict rate limits and monthly caps.
The new structure removes these caps, applies less restrictive limits, and scales costs in proportion to usage.
X first restructured its API pricing in early 2023, ending free access and discontinuing third-party client apps.
It later introduced paid tiers for developers, ranging from US$200 to US$42,000 per month, followed by optional top-up packs for those exceeding usage limits.
The latest beta aims to provide a more flexible option within that framework.
Developers selected for the trial will receive a US$500 credit to test the pay-per-use system.
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Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Singapore, based on image by thanyakij-12 via Freepik
