Thousands of subreddits have started a 48-hour blackout in Reddit API protest of upcoming API pricing changes. These alterations, scheduled to take effect from June 12 to June 14, have sparked outrage among Reddit’s vast user base due to their potential adverse impact on third-party applications that enrich the Reddit experience.
As an integral part of the internet landscape, Reddit proudly holds its position as the self-proclaimed “front page of the internet”. With an estimated 430 million monthly active users, the platform serves as a hub for diverse communities and discussions.
However, during this 48-hour period, a wave of subreddits going dark list, entering private mode under the watchful eyes of their moderators. By implementing this measure, these communities restrict access to approved members only, effectively rendering the pages inaccessible to the general public as a part of the Reddit API protest.
Why are subreddits going dark list?
At the core of this widespread discontent lies the imminent transformation of Reddit’s application programming interface (API). APIs act as a vital link between applications, enabling the seamless exchange of data and facilitating the development of innovative features and functionalities.
Previously, Reddit had offered free API access to developers, allowing them to harness the platform’s resources. However, on April 18, the company made a significant announcement, revealing its plans to revise the API terms and introduce charges for developers, commencing from July 1, 2023.
This shift in API pricing aligns Reddit with other tech giants such as Google, Facebook, and Twitter, which have already implemented similar measures. In an interview with the New York Times, Reddit’s CEO and co-founder, Steve Huffman, emphasized the need to address concerns regarding the fair distribution of resources.
Huffman acknowledged that Reddit, as a home for authentic conversations, needs to evolve into a self-sustaining business. The proposed API changes aim to strike a balance between generating value from the platform’s extensive text archives and ensuring equitable returns for users.
The fall of third-party apps
Reddit’s vibrant ecosystem thrives on the contributions of third-party application developers, who augment the platform’s functionality, providing users with enhanced features and personalized experiences. However, under the new API terms, only applications generating fewer than 100 queries per minute will continue to enjoy free access.
This accounts for over 90 percent of the existing applications, as stated by Huffman. For third-party apps exceeding this threshold, a charge of $0.24 per 1,000 requests will be imposed.
The impact of the API pricing changes has been significant, leading several prominent third-party apps to announce their impending shutdown.
Reddit Apollo shuts down
Apollo, a beloved iPhone and iPad app renowned for its sleek user interface and customizable themes, disclosed that the revised pricing structure would amount to an annual cost of $20 million, based on the current rate of seven billion monthly requests. Christian Selig, the creator of Apollo, expressed his disappointment with Reddit’s decisions and actions, ultimately announcing the app’s closure on June 30.
r/Apolloapp has announced their decision on a Reddit post as follows:
📣 Apollo will close down on June 30th. Reddit’s recent decisions and actions have unfortunately made it impossible for Apollo to continue. Thank you so, so much for all the support over the years. ❤️
byu/iamthatis inapolloapp
The repercussions extend beyond Apollo, with other notable apps such as Reddit is Fun, Sync, and Reddplant also confirming their shut down due to the revised pricing scheme. The user backlash was palpable, prompting Huffman to address the concerns during an engaging “Ask Me Anything” forum session.
Despite the event of subreddits going dark list, Huffman reiterated the necessity for Reddit to become a self-sustaining business and stated that the company has no plans to revise the impending API changes, leaving protesting users disheartened.
Major subreddits join Reddit API protest
In a united front against the API pricing changes, thousands of subreddits have opted to go dark, rallying together in this mass protest. Among the notable communities participating in the blackout are:
- r/funny
- r/gaming
- r/aww
- r/todayilearned
- r/Pics
- r/Videos
- r/Music
- r/food
- r/Art
- r/gadgets
- r/sports
The list of subreddits joining the protest continues to grow, with thousands more pledging their support and making their stand against the API pricing changes. Let’s see if the Reddit API protest can cause the popular social media to change its mind.
