What Does the Twitter Message “Rate Limit Exceeded” Mean? (2024)

Written byStan Kats|Edited byTravis Boylls

Last Updated: February 4, 2024Fact Checked

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   This message usually occurs when a third-party app exceeds the maximum number of API calls in an hour. The X API (application programming interface) is what third-party apps use to request and send information to X servers. X places a maximum number of API calls an account can make using a third-party app per hour. This only applies to third-party apps. It does not apply to the official X website or the X platform app.^[1]

   • Any time a third-party requests data from the X platform servers, it counts as an API call. Checking DMs or replies counts as an API call. Requesting data from X counts as an API call. However, sending data to X (posting, direct messaging, favoriting, or following/unfollowing) does not count as an API call.
   • A third-party app is any app that requires you to log in to X that is not the X platform itself. Third-party apps can be any application that manages and schedules tweets, like X Pro, formerly called TweetDeck. As of 2011, X Pro is no longer technically a third party app, but still maintains the same usage and purposes. Other social media websites have a crossposting feature to post on multiple platforms. It can also be a desktop or web application or a widget on your phone. It can also be an internal application that developers create to study and analyze data on X.
   • While you won't be able to use the third-party app when your rate limit is exceeded, you'll still be able to use the X website or mobile app.
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   You may also see Rate Limited Exceeded if you've been too active on X. X has limits to keep the service reliable and reduce downtime. If you exceed one of X's limits, you will generally receive an error message that specifically says what limit you have exceeded:^[2]

   • Max number of tweets per day: 2400
   • Max number of DMs per day: 500
   • Max number of accounts you can follow per day: 400
   • Max number of accounts you can follow in total: 5000
   • Max number of changes to your account you can make per hour: 4

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1. Third-party apps can make up to 100 API calls per hour. However, different actions can count as more than one API call. For example, refreshing your page takes three API calls because it will request all Tweets, replies, and DMs. There are some exceptions to the 100 API call limit. The following are just a few examples: ^[3]

   • Requesting information about why users create, delete, or update X lists allows 300 requests per 15-minute interval.
   • Requesting information on who users follow and like allows 900 requests per 15-minute interval.
   • Requesting information about who liked a tweet and/or what tweets they liked, allows for 75 requests per 15-minute interval.

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1. There are a few reasons X places a limit on the number of API calls. The following are some of the reasons X has this policy:

   • Keep the servers running. X gets tons of API calls at any given moment. Limiting the number of API calls a user helps ensure that the servers don't get overloaded and can keep up with demand.
   • Prevent spam and hacking. Limiting the number of API call requests also prevents users from sending out spam in the form of mass tweets. It also prevents distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks from hackers.

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1. It is entirely possible. X support has reported in the past that users have been seeing this error message when they weren't supposed to. It can occur while using the official X app, website, third-party app, or API requests. However, X is usually aware of the problem and works very hard to fix it quickly when it occurs.^[4]

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   Reduce your percent usage to 60 - 70. You can do so in the settings of the app you are using. This will mean that you get fewer updates, but you will use fewer of your allowed API calls per hour.

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   Remove search terms that get fewer results. If you are tracking account engagement, try using fewer words in your search terms. Remove the words that get fewer results.

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   Save your results. If you are going to be using your search results for a long period of time, save them. This will prevent you from making identical requests. Many apps allow you to save your results.

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   Wait until your time expires. X allows you to make 100 API calls per hour. Oftentimes, you can regain your account by just waiting a few minutes. If you receive this message while Tweeting, sending DMs, or following users, you will need to wait 24 hours before you can continue. If you are making changes to your account, you will need to wait an hour before you can make more account changes.

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   Unfollow some accounts. If you are currently following 5000 accounts or more, you will need to unfollow some accounts before you can follow some more.

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   Use the official X app or website. If you can do your work using the official X platform, go ahead and do so. This may not be possible in all cases, but the X API call limit only applies to third-party apps.

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   Change your password. There have been some reports that users were able to reset the API call limit by resetting their password. You should only do this if you are in a bind. It may be easier to just wait to regain your account rather than having to learn and memorize a new password. However, you can make that a little easier by using a password manager.

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