Here’s the crux of the matter: There’s a new Reddit API policy that levies outrageous fees to creators of third-party apps for the website, thereby shutting down popular programs such as Reddit is Fun, Sync for Reddit, and others.
The new Reddit API policy: further details
From July 1, 2023, the popular third-party Reddit applications, Reddit Sync and Reddit is Fun (RIF), will be decommissioned, leaving a void in the Android app market. These apps, with millions of downloads, have gained immense popularity among Reddit’s most active users.
Reddit is Fun (RIF), in particular, has been a favorite choice for Android users since it has always been exclusive to the Android platform and has amassed over 5 million downloads from the Google Play Store. However, Sync for Reddit is discontinuing its Android and iOS applications altogether.
The demise of these third-party apps can be attributed to the newly introduced premium API by Reddit last month. The high cost associated with the API and the strict guidelines imposed on third-party apps has proven to be a death knell for many of them. These apps are now prohibited from displaying advertisements, or showcasing explicit (NSFW) content, and are subject to additional limitations under the new regulations. The well-known third-party Reddit client Apollo, available only on iOS, has shed light on the stringent conditions imposed by the new Reddit API policy.
The creator of RIF argues in a post that the expenses to maintain the software functioning under the new API would be similar to those incurred by Apollo, despite RIF not generating anywhere near the same revenue as the latter.
The fate of other popular Android third-party Reddit clients remains uncertain. While the creator of Boost for Reddit has hinted at a possible shutdown, no official confirmation has been made. The status of Bacon Reader is also unknown at this time. In the case of Infinity for Reddit, the creator has proposed implementing a fee for each user’s API access to sustain the app.
As the new Reddit API policy changes take effect, the landscape for third-party Reddit apps undergoes a significant transformation. The discontinuation of Reddit Sync and Reddit is Fun (RIF) marks the end of an era for these beloved Android apps. It remains to be seen how other third-party Reddit clients will adapt and whether they can navigate the challenges posed by the new Reddit API policy.
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