Many third-party Reddit apps are facing shutdown due to the platform’s expensive API changes. One app may survive, albeit by dropping its free version and transitioning to a monthly subscription model.
According to Dave, the creator of Relay app, it is economically unfeasible to offer a free version of the app due to the anticipated cost of maintaining the app under the new policies, estimated to be $20 million annually. By limiting the number of API calls per user per day, Dave considers offering the app through a subscription model, charging a monthly fee of $2-$3.
However, the success of Relay’s subscription-based model depends on the number of users who choose to stay with the app. The app plans to be ad-free, without recommended content and sexually explicit material, which is a restriction imposed on all apps using Reddit’s Data API. Dave acknowledges the need for urgency, as Reddit’s new API pricing takes effect on July 1st.
Regardless, it is encouraging to see at least one third-party Reddit developer exploring a potential pathway for survival. We have reached out to Dave to know more about his plans.
