X Restricts “Like” and “Follow” on Free API to Combat Spam

X has announced a significant change to its developer ecosystem: free-tier API users can no longer programmatically like posts or follow accounts on behalf of users. This update, effective immediately, aims to curb spam, bot activity, and manipulative behaviors that compromise the platform’s integrity.

Developers on paid tiers—Basic, Pro, and Enterprise—retain full access to these features, along with higher rate limits and expanded API capabilities. The move signals X’s ongoing efforts to monetize its developer ecosystem while ensuring automated actions deliver genuine engagement instead of mass manipulation.

Key Details of the Change

• Free-tier API users: Lose the ability to like posts or follow accounts programmatically.
• Paid plans (Basic, Pro, Enterprise): Unaffected and retain full API access.
• Objective: Protect the platform from spam, bots, and manipulation.

This update follows X’s broader strategy around API access. In early 2023, the platform ended free API access, later reinstating limited usage. Additionally, Basic-tier pricing increased from $100 to $200/month last October, reflecting a consistent trend of monetization and stricter platform controls.

Implications for Developers

Developers who relied on the free API for legitimate projects—such as social analytics, engagement tracking, or research—will now need to upgrade to a paid plan or explore alternative solutions to preserve these core functionalities. While paid tiers offer robust tools, the change underscores the growing divide between hobbyist projects and professional, monetized API usage.

For X, the move is a balancing act: reducing harmful activity while retaining a healthy ecosystem for developers who add genuine value. For users and developers alike, this change may redefine how automation and engagement tools are built and deployed on the platform.

As X continues to refine its API strategy, developers should review their workflows and plan for upgrades or adjustments to maintain functionality and compliance.