Twitter API v2 oder Alternative: So wählen Sie die richtige API für Ihre Bedürfnisse

Errors using inadequate data are much less than those using no data at all.

— Charles Babbage, a mathematician, philosopher, inventor, and mechanical engineer

These days, social media isn't just for having fun or sharing thoughts. It's a seriously impactful tool that affects every part of our lives. As of 2020, there were over 368 million monthly active X (Twitter) users worldwide and as Elon Mask said on May 2024, X had 600 million monthly active users, about half of which use the platform every day. No doubt, that there are really a lot of people sharing their thoughts, opinions, and breaking news. 

It’s user-generated content you just can’t ignore, not only to stay competitive but also not to lose your current position. And here we come to the importance of data nowadays and the methods for gathering it. That’s where API is more than just useful. Using one of the data retrieving tools, commercial and non-commercial projects can obtain Twitter data to drive their strategies. 

And here we are with our article, taking a closer look at and comparing the official Twitter API v2 and the third-party API to find out what tool is the best fit for you.

Twitter API v2: Before We Move On

Let’s first define what is Twitter API v2 before we go to the comparison. In that spirit, Twitter API v2 is the latest iteration of Twitter's application programming interface that guarantees that users will be able to access Twitter features and data more easily.

So if it’s version two, then there has to have some previous versions, right? Of course, there's Twitter API v1, and a few more. The main differences between Twitter API v1 and v2 are data retrieval limits. With v1.1, if you want to get 5,000 posts instead of 100, you can do so with the /lists/statuses endpoint, but with v2 API endpoints with stricter rates and data limits, you are only allotted 100 posts at one time (can vary on your API access level – free, basic, pro, or enterprise).

Understanding the Twitter API landscape can be really complex. If you’d like more details on various versions, check out our articles on Twitter API 1.1 and Twitter GraphQL API. Also, feel free to check out our guide on how to get your Twitter API key up and going.

A Quick Overview of Twitter v2 API and Third-party API

You can have data without information, but you cannot have information without data.

— Daniel Keys Moran, an American computer programmer and science fiction writer

Twitter v2 API and third-party API — what are they? Here's a quick rundown of the main features and what they can do before we go to the details.

Twitter API 2.0 Overview

Being the latest version of the official Twitter API, Twitter v2 API offers improved features and capabilities over its predecessors, including the following:

1. Increased access to historical data: users have access to tweets going back all the way to 2006 with the Twitter API, enabling you to analyze long term trends and historical events.
2. More powerful search functionality: The Twitter API offers enhanced search capabilities, enabling developers to perform complex queries and retrieve relevant tweets based on specific criteria such as keywords, locations, dates, and user interactions.
3. Content management: the API supports tweet posting through the Tweet Create endpoint, enabling applications to programmatically post or reply to tweets. 
4. Advanced filtering options: users can filter the data requests to get the relevant information.

Alternative API OverviewThe choice of reliable third-party solutions is really wide. Each one differ in functionality, capabilities, additional services and other options provided. Here we gathered the list of the most common features that either are alike or differentiate third-party APIs from the official one:

1. Real-time public data: access to real time public Twitter data. Get the latest on the trends, sentiments, and public conversations on X (previously Twitter) and also see the data to understand a little more deeply.
2. Advanced filtering capabilities: the freedom to filter and refine your data queries to the versatility or perfection. This focuses on pulling out insights from within the noise, extracting the information that matters through specific keywords, hashtags, user interactions or, sometimes, even location.
3. Customization: high customization capabilities allow you to take specific data points that match your needs, knowing what you want and giving you advice based on that.
4. Comprehensive documentation and support: alternative APIs also usually provide detailed documentation to guide you through all the features and functionalities. 

Twitter API 2 and Third-party API: Key Features Comparison

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It’s time to dig deeper and check out what each API can do, what features and at what price they offer to present you the full picture. To stay objective and provide truthful information, we will use the Data365 Social Media API as an example of a third-party solution to compare with the official Twitter API v2.

Data Access and Filtering Capabilities

All we here are for retrieving Twitter data. So the type and volumes of data can be gathered play a crucial role here. When comparing the access levels capabilities of Twitter API v2 and third-party API, there are notable differences and similarities. Yet, choosing the API, filtering is critical thing to mind as it helps you to gather the data you need instead of getting all that noise. And that’s what we’re going to learn here.

Let’s start with the official API — Twitter API 2. API Twitter v2 provides access to several types of data, including tweets, user profiles, mentions, hashtags, trends, and more. Thus, it enables you to retrieve real-time data, providing instant access to the latest tweets and trends. Still, the level of access depends on the API tier being used, meaning that access to trends and some other features might be restricted, especially under the free tier or certain pricing plans.

Twitter API 2.0 offers access to historical data, allowing Tweet retrieval as far back as 2006. But not for all users, meaning that historical data is only available through premium endpoints, which are not included in the cheaper tiers. If it's crucial for your project, then get ready that accessing such data involves higher costs and is not standard for all v2 users.

Twitter API 2.0 has limitations to keep in mind. For example, location data is available only if users have enabled location sharing and posted location info into their tweets or profiles. The search functionality in API Twitter v2 is more restricted than the past 'search-all' endpoint.

Too much data is like too much food. It leads to an inability to focus.

— Nathan Shedroff, an entrepreneur, author, speaker, and educator

When it comes to filtering, don’t expect to find the Twitter Streaming API used to exist as part of the Twitter Developer Platform, allowing real-time access to tweets. Everything is not so bad, as it has been replaced by the Twitter API 2.0 with the Filtered Stream API endpoint, which serves a similar purpose. So, you still have an ability to filter data, for example, by specific keywords or hashtags, and receive tweets in real time. Yet, rate limits are the thing to remember here.

Meanwhile, the range of alternative solutions’ features keep up with the official API. Third-party APIs provide a comprehensive range of data, including real-time one, tweets, retweets, mentions, user profiles, and so on, all packaged for in-depth analysis, market research, and customer insights. Advanced filtering capabilities allow users to refine their queries further, enabling filters by URL, media types, or specific post attributes that go beyond simple keyword or hashtag searches.

But the flexibility and scalability of third-party APIs are what sets them apart. For instance, Data365 allows applying social media advanced filters to retrieve required data in the volumes you may need. Besides that, Social Media API gives you access to several social media platforms, allowing the projects to perform cross-platform data analysis or targeted samples for sentiment analysis, audience segmentation, or competitor benchmarking. Also, third-party API rate limits tend to be more flexible, enabling a higher volume of data to be pulled without interruption. 

If you’re looking for a tool to retrieve data from social media networks like this one, then contact our managers to find out how Data365 Social Media API can be useful for your project. 

Integration and Customization

Supporting standard HTTP requests, Twitter API 2 can be integrated into various platforms and tools. The alternative API also emphasizes seamless integration, offering existing infrastructure or custom solutions to integrate the API into the workflows.

To use Twitter API 2, app and user authentication happen on secure protocols such as OAuth 2.0. Each application has its own set of API keys (i.e. a set of credentials you can use to fetch data from tweets). The Twitter Developer Platform also has application management tools for developers so they can manage access, monitor use, and tune integrations.

Talking about customization, Twitter API v2 supports Webhooks, a feature that enables real-time notifications for specific events, such as new tweets or account changes. Unlike traditional polling methods, Webhooks push updates directly to your application whenever a defined event occurs.

If we talk about third-party APIs like Data365, there isn’t an exact analog to Webhooks in the same way Twitter API offers them. Data365, it operates on a request-based model. New data is retrieved by sending API requests. The system does not automatically detect and push updates when new data appears like Webhooks do. Instead, updates occur when a request is made, ensuring that the most current information is collected at the moment of the query.

To streamline this process, Data365 offers automated update tasks. These tasks allow users to configure recurring queries that fetch fresh data at a defined frequency, eliminating the need for manual requests. Once set up, the system will update the data regularly according to the client’s preferred schedule.

At the same time, Webhooks can be configured for any request, whether initiated manually by the client or triggered through an automated update task. This means that once the requested data is gathered, the system can send a real-time notification to inform the client that the new data is available.

And what’s about customization? It’s where third-party APIs are usually winners. Just look closer. Getting Twitter API v2, you get the set pack of features and capabilities, meanwhile it’s really possible for users to customize the Data365 API to fit their needs, adding features and functionalities. It does allow data retrieval according to unique business requirements. 

Besides, Data365 provides a high degree of flexibility in data collection and enables users to set up highly customizable queries to extract relevant real-time public data and provide timely updates for applications requiring live tracking or analytics.

Users can define queries based on filters, hashtags, keywords, and other parameters, ensuring precise targeting of relevant information. The API returns all responses in JSON format, making it easy to integrate into various applications, dashboards, and analytics tools.

With these capabilities, Data365 allows businesses to automate data collection, maintain up-to-date records, and receive notifications once requested data has been successfully gathered, all while keeping full control over how and when data retrieval occurs.

Support and Documentation

In terms of support and documentation, Twitter API v2 provides detailed documentation, useful code samples, and helpful developer community forum. If it’s really enough, then great, but in case you need more specific help, smaller and more agile companies like Data365 API stand out. 

For instance, Data365.co provides not only comprehensive documentation but also live, professional and customized technical support, even during the free trial period. This ensures that all users receive high-quality assistance with advice and guidance unique to their specific use cases, making integration and ongoing use more seamless and effective.

By the way, you can reach out to the live support to get more details on Data365 features.

Pricing and Plans: Which One is More Affordable?

So let’s compare the pricing models for API Twitter v2 and take the average of a third party Twitter API for instance to point out the differences in how these services work. With Twitter API v2, there’s tiered pricing, so costs are based on the amount of data and the level of data access you need. On the other hand, any other API can follow a prepayment model with different packages available. So, let’s just take a closer look at official Twitter API to see the full picture.

Twitter API v2 Pricing

Twitter API v2 Pricing: Twitter API v2 offers a basic tier priced at $100 per month, along with enterprise-level access available at $42,000 per month. But, it is worth noting that Twitter API 2.0 has data volume limitations, request limitation, and retrieval limitations. For instance, there are restrictions on the amount of tweets and posts to profiles or search requests, with a rate limit up to 100 requests per second.

Data365 Social Media API Pricing

Data365, which you can also use to extract data from different social media networks, provides high flexibility when it comes to prices. The service works on the subscription basis, where the price per month depends only on the number of social networks used and the volume of credits per month needed. Users can also change the subscription packages according to the requirements. Data365 can meet any specific project needs, besides the more data you collect, the better rates you get. 

To assist users in estimating costs, Data365 offers a credit calculator. This tool allows users to input their desired social media platform, volumes, and types of data needed to calculate the approximate monthly cost. So that users can estimate their usage and find the most suitable package based on their specific requirements.

Still, the best way to determine if Data365.co is right for you and what volume you may need is to request a free API trial. You can fill out the form here to learn more about this option and apply for a test.

Use Case Example: Real-Time Sentiment Analysis for a Product Launch

Figures, facts, details… Yet, what does it mean to your project? Here is a hypothetical use case to demonstrate the impact of capabilities and rate limits of APIs.

Let's take a famous smartphone company that is launching a new product and aims to monitor real-time public sentiment on social media during a two-hour event. They are going to use API for:

• Collecting tweets containing the hashtag #NewPhoneLaunch;
• Filtering tweets to tailor marketing strategies;
• Gathering data for further analysis of sentiment using specific keywords like “amazing,” “disappointed,” and “love.”

API Twitter v2 and Alternative API: Pros and Cons

Both APIs (Twitter API 2.0 and alternative one) have their strengths and limitations, and understanding these factors is critical to making a final decision. That’s why we gathered the main advantages and drawbacks in the table below so that you can weigh the pros and cons of each.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Twitter v2 API and Alternative Tool

When you're deciding between the Twitter v2 API and another API, there are a few important things to think about:

• Evaluate your specific needs and goals, such as the type of data you need and the level of analysis you require.
• Berücksichtigen Sie Ihr Budget und Ihre Erschwinglichkeit sowie die Fähigkeiten und Ressourcen Ihres Entwicklungsteams.
• Evaluieren Sie abschließend die Anpassungsanforderungen und ermitteln Sie, welche API Ihre individuellen Anforderungen besser erfüllen kann.

Fazit: Twitter API 2.0 oder Alternative? Daher können für Apps, die eine Twitter-Datenanalyse und eine Integration in soziale Medien erfordern, sowohl die Twitter-API v2 als auch APIs von Drittanbietern verwendet werden. Die Wahl zwischen Twitter API 2.0 und Drittanbieter-API hängt von den spezifischen Bedürfnissen, dem Budget, den Anpassungsanforderungen und den Integrationspräferenzen des Benutzers ab. Zusammenfassend ist es besser, Folgendes zu wählen:

• API Twitter v2 wenn:
  
  • Die Integration mit dem X-Ökosystem (früher bekannt als Twitter) ist wichtig.
  • Eine direkte Beziehung zu Twitter („X“) hat für dich Priorität.
  • Ihr Budget ist nicht begrenzt und Sie können es sich leisten.
• Drittanbieter-API, wenn:
  
  • Der Zugriff auf umfassende Daten, einschließlich der Möglichkeit, verschiedene Filter für präzise Anfragen anzuwenden, ist von entscheidender Bedeutung.
  • Anpassungsoptionen und flexible Preispläne haben Priorität.
  • Die Integration mit anderen Datenquellen oder Plattformen außerhalb von Twitter wird von Vorteil sein.

Also, was ist die beste API für Twitter? Die beste API für Twitter (jetzt „X“) hängt weitgehend von den spezifischen Anforderungen ab. Die offizielle Twitter-API gilt als die beste Option für den Zugriff auf die Funktionen von X (Twitter). Entwickler können jedoch auch Alternativen wie Data365.co ausprobieren, das zusätzliche Tools und Funktionen für diejenigen bietet, die auf unterschiedliche Weise mit X-Daten (früher bekannt als Twitter) interagieren möchten.

Wir verwenden seit 2018 Daten aus sozialen Medien, sodass wir Ihnen in Ihrem Fall auf jeden Fall weiterhelfen können. Wenden Sie sich an den Kundensupport um mehr über die Data365 Social Media API zu erfahren.