Soft Limit vs Hard Limit

Understanding Medium API's Subscription Plans and Usage Limits

Choosing the right plan for your API usage is essential, especially when you're trying out something new. Whether you're just starting out or managing large-scale projects, understanding the available subscription plans and their limitations can help you make informed decisions.

Medium API Subscription Plans

The Medium API offers four subscription plans, each tailored to different levels of usage. Here's a breakdown of what each plan provides:

1. BASIC Plan (Free)
   • Cost: Free ($0/month)
   • Usage Limit: 150 API calls per month
   • Exceeding Limit: Hard limit (no additional calls allowed).
   • Best For: Beginners or hobbyists exploring the API with minimal requirements.
2. PRO Plan
   • Cost: $10/month
   • Usage Limit: 2,500 API calls per month
   • Exceeding Limit: Additional calls are charged at $0.004 per call (soft limit).
   • Best For: Small projects or individual developers who need consistent API access.
3. ULTRA Plan
   • Cost: $30/month
   • Usage Limit: 25,000 API calls per month
   • Exceeding Limit: Additional calls are charged at $0.004 per call (soft limit).
   • Best For: Medium-sized teams or growing projects with higher data demands.
4. MEGA Plan
   • Cost: $150/month
   • Usage Limit: 1,000,000 API calls per month
   • Exceeding Limit: Additional calls are charged at $0.04 per call (soft limit).
   • Best For: Enterprises or large-scale projects with extensive API requirements.

Soft vs. Hard Limits

Understanding the difference between soft and hard limits is key to managing your API usage effectively.

• Soft Limit (on paid plans):
  • With the PRO, ULTRA and MEGA plans, you get a certain number API calls per month. However, if you exceed this limit, you can continue using the API at a small cost per additional call. This is also known as the "overage fee".
  • This provides flexibility for users who occasionally surpass their quota but don't need a higher-tier plan.
• Hard Limit (BASIC free Plans):
  • For the BASIC plans, the API usage is capped at the 150 calls per month.
  • Once you reach the limit, no further API calls can be made until the next billing cycle. No credit card is required for the BASIC plan, so this is a great way to try out the API without any financial commitment.

Tracking API Usage

All API usage is tracked on the RapidAPI platform, where the Medium API is listed. Your unique API key is used to monitor your calls in real-time. So please keep your API key secure and avoid sharing it with others.

RapidAPI provides an intuitive dashboard to help you keep track of your usage and avoid unexpected limits.

RapidAPI also alert you when you're close to reaching your limit, so please keep an eye on your email notifications.

The Medium API's subscription plans cater to a wide range of needs, from casual users to large enterprises. If you're unsure which plan to choose, start with the BASIC plan and upgrade as your requirements grow. Risk-free testing on the BASIC plan, combined with flexible soft limits on higher-tier plans, ensures there's an option to suit every need.

Monitor your usage on the RapidAPI dashboard, and enjoy seamless access to Medium's data to power your applications.

If you have any questions or need assistance with your subscription, feel free to reach out to me. I'm here to help you make the most of your API experience.

Happy Coding!