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Writer's pictureitclass Faaz
6 days ago4 min read

How to get free API access for popular social media platforms

Here’s how to get free API access for popular social media platforms:

1. Twitter API (X)

  • Steps:

    1. Go to the Twitter Developer Portal.

    2. Create a developer account and apply for access.

    3. Create a new app under the Developer Portal.

    4. Generate API keys, tokens, and secrets.

  • Notes:


    Twitter offers Free Tier access for basic API usage. The free tier supports essential endpoints like Tweet retrieval and posting but has strict rate limits.

2. Instagram Graph API

  • Steps:

    1. Go to Facebook for Developers and create a Facebook app.

    2. Add Instagram Basic Display or Instagram Graph API as a product to your app.

    3. Generate an access token for Instagram accounts connected to the app.

  • Notes:


    Free access allows basic user profile and media data for your connected Instagram accounts. You'll need to submit your app for review for broader access.

3. LinkedIn API

  • Steps:

    1. Visit the LinkedIn Developer Portal.

    2. Create a LinkedIn developer account and register an app.

    3. Use the API Key and Client Secret to access data.

  • Notes:


    LinkedIn APIs are mostly free for personal projects and testing, but app approval is required for broader access. Free usage includes fetching user profiles, connections, and posting updates.

4. YouTube Data API

  • Steps:

    1. Go to the Google Cloud Console.

    2. Create a new project and enable the YouTube Data API v3.

    3. Generate an API key for your project.

  • Notes:


    YouTube offers generous free quotas (10,000 units/day). Basic activities like fetching videos, channels, or analytics data fall within the free limits.

5. Reddit API

  • Steps:

    1. Visit the Reddit Apps Page.

    2. Log in and create a new app.

    3. Use the Client ID and Client Secret to authenticate API calls.

  • Notes:


    Reddit's API is free and has relatively high usage limits. It supports fetching posts, comments, and subreddit data.

6. TikTok for Developers API

  • Steps:

    1. Sign up for a developer account at TikTok for Developers.

    2. Create an app and get API credentials.

    3. Generate tokens to interact with TikTok’s data.

  • Notes:


    TikTok’s API provides limited free access to user profiles, videos, and analytics. Paid access may be required for advanced use cases.

7. Pinterest API

  • Steps:

    1. Visit the Pinterest Developer Portal.

    2. Create a developer account and register an app.

    3. Generate access tokens to interact with boards, pins, and user profiles.

  • Notes:


    Free usage includes accessing user data, boards, and pins. Advanced features may require app approval.

8. Snapchat Marketing API

  • Steps:

    1. Sign up at Snapchat for Developers.

    2. Apply for API access for your app.

    3. Use the provided API credentials to make requests.

  • Notes:


    Free access is mainly for advertising-related tasks, such as managing campaigns or fetching ad insights.

General Tips for Free API Access:

  • Start with Development Mode: Most APIs have a development or sandbox mode for free testing.

  • Stay Within Rate Limits: Use APIs efficiently to avoid hitting free tier limits.

  • Use Open-Source Libraries: Popular languages like Python and JavaScript have SDKs and libraries to simplify API usage.

  • Avoid Paid Tiers: For broader use, stick to APIs with free-tier services unless absolutely necessary.

Would you like help setting up any of these APIs?



To get free access to the Facebook API, you need to follow these steps:

1. Create a Facebook Developer Account

  • Visit Facebook for Developers.

  • Log in with your Facebook account.

  • Accept the terms and conditions to create a developer account.

2. Create an App

  • Go to the Apps Dashboard and click "Create App".

  • Choose the app type based on your needs (e.g., Business, Consumer, or None).

  • Provide the necessary details (e.g., app name and email) and complete the verification process.

3. Set Up API Access

  • Once your app is created, go to "Add a Product" and choose the APIs you need, such as:

    • Graph API for fetching data.

    • Marketing API for managing ads.

    • Instagram API if working with Instagram.

4. Generate an Access Token

  • Go to Tools > Graph API Explorer.

  • Select your app and generate a token to start testing API calls.

  • Use User Access Token or Page Access Token, depending on the data you need.

5. Request App Review (Optional)

  • If your app requires data from multiple users or access to restricted endpoints, submit it for review.

  • Provide Facebook with clear details about how the app will use the data.

6. Test the API

  • Use the Graph API Explorer or tools like Postman to make test API calls.

  • Check the official Graph API Documentation for guidance.

Notes on Free Usage:

  • Most basic API calls are free for testing and development.

  • However, usage limits and rate limits apply (e.g., number of requests per user or app).

  • Some APIs (e.g., Marketing API) may require your app to be live and adhere to Facebook's compliance policies.

Tools to Monitor Usage:

  • Use the App Dashboard to monitor API usage and performance.

  • Stay within Facebook's API rate limits to avoid restrictions.

Would you like help with setting up a specific use case?

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