Managing multiple social media integrations can be challenging for developers. Social media APIs provide programmatic access to platform data and functionality, but choosing the right ones is crucial for successful implementation. Let’s explore the top social media APIs and their key features.
Social Media API Feature Comparison Table
|
Feature |
Facebook Graph API |
X (Twitter) API v2 |
Instagram Graph API |
YouTube Data API |
LinkedIn API |
TikTok API |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Rate Limits |
Custom based on app usage |
Tier-based: 500-50k posts/month |
Strict platform limits |
Daily quota system |
500-unlimited requests/day |
100-15M requests/month |
|
Authentication |
OAuth 2.0 |
OAuth 2.0 + API Keys |
OAuth 2.0 |
OAuth 2.0 + API Keys |
OAuth 2.0 |
OAuth 2.0 |
|
Data Access Scope |
Comprehensive |
Limited by tier |
Business accounts only |
Public + authorized data |
Profile-based |
Public content |
|
Developer License |
Free basic access |
$200/month basic |
Free with restrictions |
Free with quotas |
$59/month basic |
Free basic tier |
|
Enterprise License |
Custom pricing |
$5,000/month |
Custom pricing |
Custom quotas |
$2,999/month |
$499/month ultra |
|
Real-time Updates |
Yes |
Yes (Pro tier) |
Limited |
No 
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Yes (Enterprise) |
Limited |
|
Webhook Support |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Limited |
Yes |
No |
|
Security Features |
Advanced permissions |
Basic authentication |
Platform-standard |
Google security |
OAuth-based |
Basic auth |
Facebook Graph API
Facebook Graph API is a powerful social media API that provides complete access to Facebook’s platform and engagement data. This robust social media API enables detailed audience insights, content management, and advertising automation.
Highlights
- Comprehensive access to Facebook platform data
- Advanced targeting and audience insights
- Real-time updates via webhooks
Pros
- Extensive documentation and developer resources
- Rich data access for posts, users, and engagement
- Robust security features with granular permissions
Cons
- Complex authentication process
- Regular API changes requiring updates
- Limited historical data access
Pricing As of November 2024
Facebook Graph API’s pricing is determined on a case-by-case basis, with costs varying depending on individual company requirements and usage patterns.
Support
- Detailed documentation with code samples
- Active developer community forum
- Enterprise support options for business users
X (Twitter) API v2
X (Twitter) API v2 is a modern social media API offering comprehensive access to Twitter’s ecosystem and analytics. The social media API includes advanced features for tweet analysis, user metrics, and conversation threading.
Highlights
- Streamlined access to Twitter’s core functionalities
- Advanced search and filtered stream capabilities
- Real-time data streaming options
Pros
- Modern REST API design
- Improved rate limits compared to v1.1
- Comprehensive data filtering options
Cons
- Significant pricing changes in 2024
- Limited free tier functionality
- Complex migration from v1.1
Pricing As of November 2024
- Free Tier: 500 posts/month, 100 reads/month
- Basic: $200/month ($175/month annual)
- Pro: $5,000/month ($4,500/month annual)
- Enterprise: Custom pricing with managed services
Support
- Official documentation
- Developer forums
- Enterprise support for paid tiers
Instagram Graph API
Instagram Graph API is a business-focused social media API enabling complete Instagram account management and insights. Their social media API provides detailed metrics about posts, stories, and audience engagement.
Highlights
- Business and Creator account integration
- Advanced analytics and insights
- Content publishing capabilities
Pros
- Direct integration with Facebook Business Suite
- Robust media handling capabilities
- Comprehensive engagement metrics
Cons
- Limited to professional accounts
- Strict approval requirements
- Complex permission system
Pricing As of November 2024
- Free to use with strict usage limitations
- Professional account requirement
- Additional approvals needed for extended features
Support
- Comprehensive documentation
- Developer forums
- Business support channels
YouTube Data API
YouTube Data API is a robust social media API for accessing video content, channel data, and viewer analytics. The social media API includes capabilities for video upload, playlist management, and advanced analytics reporting.
Highlights
- Video upload and management
- Channel and playlist operations
- Analytics and reporting features
Pros
- Free access with generous quotas
- Comprehensive video management
- Strong analytics capabilities
Cons
- Daily quota limitations
- Complex authentication process
- Limited real-time features
Pricing As of November 2024
- Free to use with quota system
- No usage fees or subscription costs
- Rate limits apply to requests
Support
- YouTube API Developer Console
- Extensive documentation
- Community support forums
LinkedIn API
LinkedIn API is a professional social media API facilitating deep integration with LinkedIn’s network features. Their social media API enables company page management, recruitment tools, and professional networking capabilities.
Highlights
- Professional network integration
- Career data access
- Business profile management
Pros
- Professional network focus
- Structured data format
- Reliable uptime
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers
- Limited free tier functionality
- Restricted data access
Pricing As of November 2024
- Free: Up to 3 users
- Basic: $59/month (500 requests/day)
- Professional: $599/month (15,000 requests/day)
- Enterprise: $2,999/month (unlimited access)
Support
- Developer documentation
- Technical resources
- Enterprise support channels
TikTok API
TikTok API is an emerging social media API providing access to TikTok’s viral content platform and metrics. The social media API includes features for content moderation, hashtag analysis, and engagement tracking.
Highlights
- Content creation tools
- Engagement analytics
- Trend analysis features
Pros
- Growing platform potential
- Creative content capabilities
- Modern API architecture
Cons
- Limited documentation
- Evolving platform changes
- Authentication complexity
Pricing As of November 2024
- Basic: Free (100 requests/day)
- Pro: $35/month (750,000 requests/month)
- Ultra: $499/month (15,000,000 requests/month)
- Mega: $299/month (7,500,000 requests/month)
Support
- Developer documentation
- Community forums
- Limited direct support
Choose the Right Social Media API for Your Needs
Looking to streamline your social media data management? Coefficient helps you integrate these APIs directly into your spreadsheets for real-time reporting and analytics. Get started with Coefficient today to unlock the full potential of your social media data.
