Soft Limit vs Hard Limit

Understanding Medium's Subscription Plans and API 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: Additional calls are charged at $0.04 per call (soft limit).
   • Best For: Beginners or hobbyists exploring the API with minimal requirements.
2. PRO Plan
   • Cost: $4.99/month
   • Usage Limit: 1250 API calls per month
   • Exceeding Limit: Hard limit (no additional calls allowed).
   • Best For: Small projects or individual developers who need consistent API access.
3. ULTRA Plan
   • Cost: $24.99/month
   • Usage Limit: 12,500 API calls per month
   • Exceeding Limit: Hard limit (no additional calls allowed).
   • Best For: Medium-sized teams or growing projects with higher data demands.
4. MEGA Plan
   • Cost: $149.95/month
   • Usage Limit: 1,250,000 API calls per month
   • Exceeding Limit: Hard limit (no additional calls allowed).
   • 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 (BASIC Plan):
  • With the BASIC plan, you get 150 API calls per month for free. However, if you exceed this limit, you can continue using the API at a cost of $0.04 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 (PRO, ULTRA, MEGA Plans):
  • For the PRO, ULTRA, and MEGA plans, the API usage is capped at the stated monthly limit.
  • Once you reach the limit, no further API calls can be made until the next billing cycle. This ensures predictable costs and usage.

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. The flexibility of soft limits on the BASIC plan and the scalability of the higher-tier plans ensure there's an option for everyone.

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.