How to enhance X (formerly Twitter) feeds update time (2025 update: new pay-per-use API model)

After Elon Musk took over, X (formerly Twitter) made changes to its API and developer program and now a paid X (formerly Twitter) account is required if you want to collect X (formerly Twitter) hashtag feeds every 5 minutes without any limitations on the number of posts or want to enhance the update time for username feeds.

In this help document, we will show you how to enhance the update time for X (formerly Twitter) hashtag and username feeds and what exactly is needed from X (formerly Twitter) before doing so.

Default update times without the Twitter API

X (formerly Twitter) limits the feed update frequency unless a customer provides their own API credentials.

By default:

• Hashtag feeds update every 6 hours, pulling max 10 tweets per update
• Username feeds update 2 times per day, with no limit on post count per update

If you manually curate posts (by adding tweets manually), you do not need the Twitter API at all.

If, however, you want automatic updates every few minutes, follow the steps below.

Enhanced update times when providing your own Twitter API key

Once you connect your own API key:

• Hashtag feeds update every 5 minutes (no limits on posts per update)
• Username feeds update every 20 minutes for up to 10 feeds

Since the 2025 changes to the X (formerly Twitter) API, the platform has introduced a pay-per-use billing model instead of fixed paid plans. This change is beneficial for Flockler users: you now only pay for what you actually use. And for one-time events, the cost is typically far below previous pricing.

Below we’ll show you how to set up the new Twitter API and connect it to your Flockler account to achieve enhanced feed update frequency.

Requirements

To enhance update times, you must:

1. Have an X account
2. Create a Developer Portal project
3. Generate a Twitter API Bearer Token
4. Add a payment method or purchase API credits
5. Add the Bearer Token to your Flockler account settings

Step-by-Step Guide (new pay-per-use model)

Step 1: Go to the X Developer Portal and log in

Visit: https://developer.twitter.com/ and create an X developer account. 

Once you sign in → you will be redirected to the Developer Console.

Step 2: Create your first Project

If this is your first time accessing the Console, X will force you to create a project.

1. Enter a project name
2. Choose a use case (e.g., “Exploring the API”)
3. Proceed

Step 3: Open the Dashboard and navigate to “Apps”

Once the project is created, you will land on the Developer Dashboard.

Go to:

Left navigation → Apps

Step 4: Create a new App

Click Create App.

Step 5: Name your App & choose environment

• Enter any app name (e.g., Flockler API Integration)
• Choose an environment (Development or Production — either should work for Flockler)
• Confirm

Step 6: Get your Twitter API Bearer Token

After creating the app, X will generate a pop-up showing your app credentials.

Copy the Bearer Token — this is the only key Flockler requires.

Step 7: Add the Bearer Token to Flockler

In your Flockler dashboard in the top right corner, go to Settings:

And then to API Keys → “Bearer Token” field

Step 8: Add payment method or purchase credits

To ensure your API is active during the event or campaign, return to the X Developer Dashboard.

There you can:

• Buy prepaid credits, or
• Enable Auto-Recharge by adding a payment card

X will not bill you monthly — only based on actual usage.

That’s it — your enhanced feed update time is now active.

Step 9: Monitor or adjust credit usage

Inside Billing you can:

• View consumption
• Add more credits
• Disable Auto-Recharge

This allows you to fully control your spending during and after the event.

Step 10: When the event is over: disable the API

To avoid further charges from X:

1. Open the Apps tab

   Click Manage App

   Choose either:

   • Delete the App, or
   • Revoke the Bearer Token

This immediately disables API access.

Step 11: Remove the Token from Flockler

To avoid accidental usage, delete the Bearer Token from:

Flockler → Settings → API Keys

Important Notes

• If you use this Twitter API key in any other system, deleting the App or revoking the token will break those integrations.
• Flockler does not sell or provide Twitter API credits.
• You can cancel or disable your API in X at any time.