Does Twitter (X) have an API?
Yes. X runs official API v2 with paid tiers — the free tier is minimal; meaningful read access starts at paid plans. Public-data APIs return public profiles, posts, replies, communities, and search without an X developer app. Same answer for "does X have an API."
What the official X API actually covers
Real API for posting, replies, likes, DMs, and reads — gated behind developer app and OAuth. Right path for posting on behalf of users or elevated historical search.
Free tier is write/small-test oriented, not bulk reads. Paid tiers unlock read volume but pricing and rules shift — budget as a recurring line item.
The X API cost pattern, honestly
We don't quote dollar figures — X's tiers change. Pattern: free is narrow; paid jump for real search/bulk reads is meaningful. Check X's developer portal before committing.
That's why many products needing profile cards or keyword search use public-data APIs instead of provisioning an X developer app.
What a public-data X API covers instead
Social Fetch exposes X under /v1/twitter/… in the 21-platform catalog (165 ops). GET /v1/twitter/profiles/{handle} plus post, reply, community, search routes — one x-api-key, { data, meta } envelope.
Profile lookup returns display name, bio, follower counts, verified status — no posting permissions or approved developer app required.
Common mistakes when comparing the two
Assuming "free API" means free bulk reads — monitoring and search exceed it fast.
Treating lookupStatus not_found as a transport error — HTTP 200, billed completed lookup.
What a public-data API does not do
Public data only — protected accounts, DMs, login-gated content out of scope. Posting/managing your account → official X API.
Try /tools/twitter-profile-viewer before wiring production.
FAQ
Does X (Twitter) have an API?
Yes — official v2 with paid tiers. Public-data APIs like Social Fetch cover public profiles, posts, and search without an X developer app.
Is the Twitter/X API free?
Narrow free tier — not bulk reads. Meaningful read access needs paid tiers.
How much does the X API cost?
Check X's current developer portal — tiers change. Free is minimal; paid steps up for read volume.
Is Social Fetch the same as the official X API?
No. Social Fetch is third-party public-data; official X API is X's product with OAuth and tiered pricing.
Do I need an X developer app to look up a public profile?
Not with a public-data API — sfk_… via x-api-key, no X app required.
Where do I try X data without writing code?
/tools/twitter-profile-viewer, then /platforms/twitter and /docs/api.
Do X lookups cost credits on Social Fetch?
Yes on metered routes. Search/list may cost more than profile GET — check operation pages and meta.creditsCharged.
Can a public-data API get tweets from a private account?
No. Protected accounts and login-gated content are out of scope.