What Is Twitter API? How to Use It?

What Is Twitter API? How to Use It?

Twitter, one of the most popular social media platforms, is used by over 150 million people daily to discuss global events. Due to the vast amount of data generated by this large user base, marketers are particularly interested in Twitter APIs. Through APIs, Twitter allows companies, developers, and users to access platform data. So, how can APIs be used, and what can you do with them?

What Is Twitter API?

The Twitter API is an application programming interface that allows you to analyze, read, and write Twitter data. It can be used to create tweets, read profiles, and access follower data. It also helps access high-volume tweets on targeted topics in specific locations.

APIs are software that act as intermediaries between two applications that want to communicate with each other. Every request you make using this software is first sent to the server, and then the response is delivered back to you. This adds an extra layer of security while bridging the gap between two applications, such as the app on your phone and a company’s software. APIs use key methods to allow two software applications to access each other. These endpoint methods include:

• GET: A method to retrieve data
• POST: A method to create data
• PUT: A method to update data
• DELETE: A method to delete data

Twitter APIs work securely through unique endpoints to access the information provided by the platform. Along with endpoints, the API has some notable features:

• It works with four main objects for processing data: Tweets, Entities, Users, and Places.
• Changes and calls in the API are restricted with access tokens to prevent misuse of the platform.
• The Twitter API relies on HTTP instead of SSL.
• To adapt API operations to the social network, certain precautions such as library restrictions, pagination, and specific parameters are implemented.

Twitter APIs are offered to users with four subscription packages: Free, Basic, Pro, and Enterprise. These subscriptions have the following features:

• Free Subscription: Includes all the features you need to get started with the API. However, access is limited to 1,500 tweets per month and one app ID.
• Basic: Provides 3,000 user-level tweets per month, 50,000 app-level tweets, 10,000 tweet reads, and two app IDs.
• Pro: Offers 1,000,000 app-level tweets and three app IDs.
• Enterprise: Designed for large companies, this plan includes features like full platform archive access, complete streams, and a dedicated account team. It's an excellent choice for those looking to use platform data for campaign management or Twitter management services.

How to Use Twitter API?

To use Twitter API, you first need to create an API key specific to your account. After that, you need to authorize the app and your account. Follow these steps to complete the process:

1. Open a Command Prompt Terminal

Before using anything, make sure you know how to open a terminal. Use the following tips:

• Windows: Open the command prompt by searching for “cmd” in the Start menu. If you're using Windows 7 or an older version, go to Start > All Programs > Accessories > Command Prompt, as Microsoft stopped general support for Windows 7 in January 2020.
• Mac: Open the terminal via Finder > Applications > Utilities > Terminal. Alternatively, press CMD+Space to open Spotlight and search for “terminal.”

2. Create a Twitter Developer Account

To create a unique API key, you need a developer account. Once your account is active, open the app management page and create an app. Name your app, fill in the URL, and write a 100-word description.

3. Install Ruby and Start Twurl

To run Twurl, you’ll need Ruby, an open-source language with easy-to-read and write syntax. After installing Ruby, download Twurl to your computer. With these two tools, you’ll be able to perform all requests at once.

4. Create an API Key

Twitter assigns a unique key for API calls through your developer account. To access this, log into your developer account, go to the app management screen, and select “Details.” Click on “Keys and Tokens” and copy the secret key and consumer API.

5. Authorize Your Twitter App and Account

To authorize your Twitter app and account, type the following command in your terminal:

twurl authorize -consumer-key <key> -consumer-secret <secret>

Replace <key> and <secret> with your own API keys. Then, copy the URL from the resulting output, paste it into your browser, and enter the PIN you receive into your terminal.

After accessing the Twitter API, you can perform user activities like sending messages or media without opening the app. By using command-line tools like Twurl and cURL, you can manage the app efficiently.

You can only access public information on Twitter with the API. Endpoints responsible for specific requests, like sending or receiving Direct Messages, require additional permissions before accessing the information. These permissions are not granted by default and must be enabled on a per-app basis. Here’s a breakdown of the main endpoint groups within the Twitter API:

• Accounts and Users: Twitter allows developers to programmatically manage an account's profile and settings, mute or block users, manage followers, and request activity data for an authorized account via the API.
• Direct Messages: The Direct Message endpoint provides limited access to DM conversations for users who have granted permission to a specific app. It can be used to create human- or chatbot-supported conversations for marketing and brand engagement.
• Tweets and Replies: Public tweets and replies can be reviewed via the API. Tweets can be accessed by searching for keywords or requesting examples from specific accounts.
• Advertising Services: API packages can help businesses automate and manage ad campaigns. Developers can use public tweets to identify topics and interests, enabling businesses to create advertising strategies targeting different audiences.
• Publisher Tools: The platform offers tools that allow software developers and publishers to embed Twitter timelines, share buttons, and other Twitter content on web pages. These tools help bring public Twitter conversations into the web experience.

What Can You Do With Twitter API?

With the Twitter API, you can create new tweets, access follower data, and analyze tweets. All these actions can be performed in one go using a series of commands and command-line tools like Twurl. Some of the things you can do with the API include:

• Posting Tweets: Use the "status/update POST" endpoint to send your tweets.
• Replying to Tweets: You can use the same "status/update POST" endpoint to reply to tweets, just like posting a new tweet.
• Uploading Media Files: Use Twurl to upload up to 5 MB of images, 15 MB of GIFs, and 15 MB of videos.
• Identifying Local Trends: Use the “trends/place GET” endpoint to find out what people in your target region are talking about. This way, you can learn about trending topics among your audience and decide how to use discussions for brand promotion.
• Fetching Tweets Under a Specific Hashtag: Use the "search/tweets GET" endpoint to retrieve all tweets with a specific hashtag. This feature can help evaluate the marketing campaigns of your company or competitors. Accessing all tweets under a particular hashtag at once also contributes to creating audience-specific strategies.
• Creating Bots: If you want to delve deeper into the world of Twitter APIs, you can use these and other endpoints to create bots. These bots can automatically share specific content, display live updates, or remind followers about events.

Examples of Twitter API Usage

Here are some examples of applications created using the Twitter API:

• TweetBot: Uses the Twitter API to provide Twitter users with a seamless ad experience. It offers features like filtering tweets, managing timelines, and enhancing interactions.
• Tweetmap: An application that displays tweets based on location. It is one of the most popular Twitter API examples and makes it easy to determine which hashtags are trending where.
• Tweetagram by Bannerbear: A tool used to create graphics from notable tweets. To create a graphic, simply enter the tweet link.
• Twitterrific: Designed for users overwhelmed by the dense data flow in the Twitter app. It allows you to mute hashtags.
• Chirp for Twitter: An iOS application designed for smaller screens. It enables users to send and read tweets and also supports the Direct Message feature.
• TweetDeck: Acquired by Twitter in 2011, TweetDeck uses the Twitter API to function as a fully-featured control panel. It allows users to view notifications, tweets, and trending topics simultaneously. For a fully personalized experience, columns on the user screen can be customized.

These are just a few examples of real-world Twitter API use cases. You can use Twitter APIs to create an app your customers will love or enhance your social media engagement efforts. In general, Twitter offers great opportunities to communicate with your target audience and gain insights from them. Accessing the Twitter API simplifies determining marketing strategies through deep customer and competitor analysis.

To integrate the system with Twitter correctly, you’ll need at least basic knowledge of programming languages like Java, JavaScript, Objective-C, and Ruby. Among these, Ruby and JavaScript are particularly helpful in simplifying your work. You can also attend bootcamp events organized by Techcareer.net to receive training on industry-specific areas, including programming languages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can anyone use the Twitter API?

Yes, anyone can use the Twitter API. However, all new developers must apply for a developer account to access the API. Existing developers without a verified developer account should follow Twitter’s instructions to apply for one.

Why is the Twitter API important?

The Twitter API provides developers with a way to access data about global events. Developers use APIs to listen to significant events and create applications that trigger actions based on these events.

Are bootcamp trainings free of charge?

All bootcamp trainings are organized free of charge to connect digital talents with leaders in the IT sector. By participating, you can gain both theoretical and practical knowledge. Upon successfully completing the training, you will receive a certificate tailored to you, which can be added to your resume.

What are the requirements for applying to bootcamps?

While application requirements for each bootcamp event vary, anyone looking to improve themselves in technology can participate. To review the requirements for specific trainings, visit the bootcamp page, and if the conditions suit you, you can complete your application within minutes.