Reddit, the ‘front page of the internet,’ is going through a seismic shift, with its recent announcement of exorbitant prices for access to its API, starting July 1. But the move has sparked a protest, with numerous subreddits temporarily shutting down in opposition. This article delves into the implications of Reddit’s policy change and its potential impact on users and third-party applications.
Increased API Prices: The Crux of the Matter
In what seems like a decision inspired by its [back in March](external link), Reddit unveiled new, significantly increased prices for its API. The change has incited backlash from over a thousand subreddit moderators. In response, subreddits like r/aww, r/Music, r/videos, and r/gaming are setting their communities to “private” for a 48-hour period beginning July 12.
Open Letter to Reddit: A Community in Distress
Moderator BuckRowdy, in an [open letter](external link) to the Reddit community, detailed the ramifications of the increased Reddit API Pricing on moderators and third-party apps. The letter argued that Reddit’s price change would not only impede the ability of moderators to manage their communities but also significantly reduce the diversity of perspectives on Reddit.
Reddit API Pricing and Third-Party Apps: A Complex Tangle
Third-party apps like Apollo, Reddit Is Fun, and Bacon Changer, which depend heavily on Reddit’s API, face the prospect of discontinuing their services due to the API price hikes. Even the visually impaired community that relies on third-party apps for accessibility could be adversely affected by this change, as the official Reddit app lacks the necessary navigation tools for them.
Apollo developer Christian Selig, for instance, termed the new rates as “bad news,” stating that according to the new API pricing, the app will incur a staggering cost of 20 million dollars annually.
Reddit’s Stand on the API Pricing Increase
Despite the backlash, Reddit stands firm on its decision to raise the API prices, justifying it as a move to recoup their high hosting costs. Reddit also announced a series of new mod tools to launch in the coming months, hoping to enhance content density and loading times, among other improvements. However, these measures have also been met with skepticism by Reddit users.
Third-Party Apps: The Future in the Light of Reddit API Pricing
With the new changes effective from July 1, third-party developers are contemplating the next course of action for their apps. For instance, Infinity for Reddit has already released a paid version to sustain the app, while ReddPlanet plans to shut down by the month’s end.
As per Sensor Tower data, Apollo has witnessed 4 million downloads since 2021, while Android clients like Boost for Reddit and Infinity for Reddit have garnered over 430,000 and 280,000 downloads, respectively.
The Final Verdict
While Reddit’s move to increase API prices might be a strategic business decision, the community response has certainly put the spotlight on the potential challenges this might pose for users and developers. The Reddit API Pricing change, though seemingly inevitable, will undoubtedly reshape Reddit’s landscape and could significantly impact the user experience and community dynamics.
