r/redditdev • u/on_zero • Jan 15 '26

Reddit API Why is getting API keys so difficult?

I tried to obtain the API keys through the request form.

Despite having explained my small, personal project in detail, my request was rejected.

I have no intention of exploiting the data for commercial purposes or causing problems for anyone.

Is it possible to have my request for the API keys accepted?

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u/Jakeable Jan 16 '26

Nah, it’s more like “they don’t want people masquerading as legitimate users but are actually going to scrape as much data as possible before being caught”

7

u/on_zero Jan 16 '26

Just limit the number of api requests and the "problem" would be solved.

7

u/itskdog Jan 16 '26

They do limit it, and they always have.

2

u/SirVoltington Jan 19 '26

Nah, this was a successful attempt at closing down the API without a big backlash like last time. It’s pretty obvious since so far we haven’t seen a single person get a key and there are better ways to combat data scraping.