Strava, the popular fitness tracking platform, is tightening access to its API in a move aimed at curbing abuse from AI scraping and zero-code application builders. Developers who want to create apps using Strava's features will now need to pay a flat monthly fee of $11.99, the company announced.
New Subscription Model for Developers
Previously, developers could apply to use Strava's API for free, with the ability to expand access as their user base grew. That changed with the new subscription requirement. The fee applies across the board, regardless of how many users an app serves.
Strava outlined the rationale in an update on its developer hub. The company pointed to a surge in activity from what it described as "zero-code AI tools." These tools allow users to quickly generate applications that make heavy, repeated calls to its API.
"We have felt this firsthand," the company wrote. "Developer applications to our program are up 448% year-to-date, API intermediaries have violated policy terms, and scraping attempts have degraded platform performance for everyone."
Blame on AI Scraping
The move mirrors actions taken by other platforms facing similar pressures. Reddit began charging developers for API access in 2023, citing the rise of large language model training data extraction. Strava's new policy appears to be driven by the same forces, namely automated tools that submit large numbers of requests without meaningful user engagement.
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Strava noted that the problem is not limited to external scrapers. Some API intermediaries, which act as middlemen between third-party apps and the platform, have violated the terms of service. The company did not name specific intermediaries.
Broader Context and Other Changes
This is not the first time Strava has restricted access to its data. In 2024, the company limited the amount of information that third-party apps could display to users. It also took legal action against long-time partner Garmin, accusing the wearable maker of patent infringement. Strava later dropped the lawsuit.
In February, Strava filed for an initial public offering. The IPO filing came as the company sought to grow revenue and attract investors.
Alongside the API clampdown, Strava introduced a new tool that allows users to link their fitness data to Claude, an AI assistant from Anthropic. The integration includes pace, per-second heart rate, GPS data, and other metrics. Strava said the new API restrictions will not affect wearable or device integrations, nor will they prevent users from downloading their own data for free.
The company's decision to monetize API access reflects a broader industry trend. As more developers build applications using zero-code platforms, platforms like Strava are moving to charge for the data that fuels those apps. Whether the $11.99 monthly fee will reduce the flood of applications remains to be seen.
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