Meta’s Threads, Competitor to X, Invites Developers to Sign Up for API Access and Releases Documentation

Meta’s upcoming social media platform Threads is making strides toward its public launch by introducing developer documentation and a sign-up sheet for interested parties ahead of the API’s planned release in June. After initially opening its developer API to select companies for testing in March, Threads is now providing detailed documentation outlining the API’s current limitations, endpoints, and functionality.

The documentation covers various aspects of the API, including how developers can track analytics for Threads posts, publish posts and media, retrieve replies, and troubleshoot common issues. It also specifies certain limitations, such as the number of posts and replies allowed within a 24-hour period, to prevent spam or excessive use.

While Threads accounts will have limitations on post frequency and character count, the API will still offer significant capabilities for developers to create Threads-connected apps and integrate with the new social network. However, Meta has not yet indicated whether it will prioritize certain types of apps over others.

Beta testers of the Threads API have included social media management platforms like Sprinklr, Sprout Social, Social News Desk, Hootsuite, and Techmeme. Additionally, although Threads is integrating with the wider fediverse, enabling or disabling fediverse sharing does not appear to be possible through the API itself, requiring users to manage this setting within the Threads app.

Meta plans to update the documentation based on developer feedback and is inviting interested developers to request access to the API via a sign-up page. This approach will not only help Meta gather feedback but also track the apps preparing to launch alongside the API’s public release.