Relay for Reddit could survive the new platform API pricing with a monthly subscription

Reddit , the popular online platform for discussions and content sharing, has found itself in the midst of controversy as its new API guidelines, set to take effect on July 1st, have caused an uproar among its user base. The guidelines will effectively render many third-party Reddit clients obsolete, unless they are willing to pay exorbitant fees amounting to millions of dollars each month. Outraged by this development, hundreds of thousands of Redditors have taken to protest, leading numerous subreddits to go dark. However, amidst the chaos, it appears that at least one Android Reddit client might weather the storm.

In a recent post on the Relay for Reddit subreddit, developer Dave shared his perspective on the future of the app based on preliminary data. He made it clear that the free version of Relay would no longer be financially sustainable, necessitating a transition to a monthly subscription model. On the positive side, this shift would eliminate all advertisements from the app.

Under the proposed model, the base subscription for Relay for Reddit could cost $2 per month, with an additional $1 charge for message notifications to cover the increased API calls associated with such polling. These estimates were derived from the latest Relay for Reddit release, which successfully reduced API calls through bug fixes and other optimizations. Presently, the app averages approximately 100 API calls per user on a daily basis.

However, concerns remain. Dave acknowledges that the viability of the model depends on the number and type of users who choose to subscribe to Relay. The situation is further complicated by Reddit's decision to restrict 'Recommend' and NSFW content exclusively to its official app. Dave also acknowledges potential flaws in his cost analysis, as the subscription model may only attract power users, potentially driving API calls per user beyond 100 and rendering the model untenable.

Adding to the challenges, the developers of third-party apps are faced with an "alarmingly tight" timeline. Reddit has given them a mere thirty days to comply with the new API rules, leaving little opportunity for substantial app remodeling. Despite the obstacles, Dave remains hopeful that Reddit might offer some flexibility in this regard.

Relay for Reddit developers express cautious optimism, believing that if the subscription model proves successful, there will be a reasonable amount of profit after paying fees to Reddit and the Google Play Store. However, these prospects remain theoretical at present. Nevertheless, it is reassuring for users to know that one of their favorite Reddit apps might survive the turmoil caused by the new API guidelines.