Twitter API Update: Posting, Deleting Tweets & Super Follows Now Supported

Twitter Enhances API with New Features for Bots and Creators

Following its substantial rebuild and relaunch in mid-2020, Twitter continues to refine its API. Recent additions included support for Twitter Spaces within the developer platform. Now, the company is announcing further enhancements designed to empower developers in creating more sophisticated Twitter bots.

Expanded Functionality for Bot Development

New endpoints have been launched, granting developers the ability to programmatically tweet, delete tweets, create polls, manage Reply settings, and incorporate image tagging. These additions significantly broaden the scope of automated actions possible through the API.

Furthermore, Twitter now provides support for its Super Follows functionality. This allows developers to construct solutions that directly support content creators and their monetization efforts.

Acknowledging the Value of "Good Bots"

Twitter distinguishes between detrimental bots that spread spam and those that offer genuine utility. The platform introduced a new labeling system in September to help users identify beneficial bots, often referred to as “good bots.”

Examples of these helpful bots include @earthquakesSF, providing public service announcements regarding earthquakes; @vax_progress, offering updates on COVID-19 vaccination progress; and @last100bills, which tracks recent legislation in Congress.

Showcasing Developer Innovation

Twitter highlights the work of Brian Moore, the developer behind @vaxprogress, as well as other bots like @NYTIMESALLCAPS and @chernobylstatus. Moore will be among the first to utilize the new features within the Twitter API v2.

Improved Tweet Management and Interactivity

The inclusion of features like polls and image tagging will undoubtedly increase user engagement with tweets. The new “manage tweets” endpoints will facilitate fundamental operations, such as posting and deleting tweets for authenticated accounts.

This could lead to the development of tools for automated tweet cleanup or solutions that deliver regular updates, mirroring the functionality of existing bots.

Supporting the Creator Economy with Super Follows

Launched in September, Super Follows enables users to financially support their preferred creators by subscribing to exclusive content, including member-only tweets and newsletters.

Subscribers may also receive access to private communities, special offers, or supporter badges, depending on the creator’s subscription model.

API Integration for Super Follows

The API updates now allow developers to share tweets specifically with a creator’s Super Followers. This opens the door for building solutions that help creators generate revenue from their Twitter audience.

Although Super Follows is currently available to a limited number of creators, Twitter anticipates future growth and the need for third-party applications to integrate support for content distribution across multiple platforms, including Twitter.

A Platform for Enhanced Third-Party Applications

These combined updates empower developers to create platforms that seamlessly integrate Twitter-native features, such as conversation controls, polls, and Super Follows. Many of these capabilities were previously inaccessible through the API.

This could potentially result in more advanced and feature-rich third-party Twitter clients.

Driven by Community Feedback

Twitter emphasizes that the prioritization of these new features was directly influenced by feedback from the developer community. The company encourages continued input to guide future API development and ensure it meets the evolving needs of its users.