Twitter has reversed its decision to introduce a new version of its TweetDeck platform, instead restoring the older version and providing free API access. The social media business first stated that the tool will be available only to customers to its premium service, Twitter Blue, after 30 days. However, no announcement was made about the reintroduction of the old TweetDeck version, and neither Elon Musk nor Twitter’s new CEO, Linda Yaccarino, commented on the move.
TweetDeck, a Twitter API-powered program, lets users display several feeds in customized columns. It began as an independent app before being bought by Twitter and recently becoming a paid feature. When Twitter began charging for API access as part of its income generation efforts, several third-party apps, like “Harpy,” were forced to shut down.
The new TweetDeck version experienced a brief outage and was chastised for lacking key features such as the Activity Tab. Users noted that the old TweetDeck had returned, along with its legacy API, after the debut of Meta’s competing program, Threads, allowing third-party apps to function again. However, no formal notification has been made by Twitter regarding the reversion, leaving it unclear how long the publicly accessible version will be available.
Developers, such as Harpy app designer Roberto Doering, predict that Twitter will likely re-block access to its legacy API. While the reintroduction of the old TweetDeck is a good thing for third-party apps, their long-term future remains dubious because they continue to violate Twitter’s terms of service.
