snscrape after the X changes: what broke and what to use now
snscrape was the default open-source Twitter history tool. X's access changes broke its unauthenticated routes. Here is the status and the alternatives that still work.
Short answer
Historical X collection through snscrape's unchanged unauthenticated routes stopped working after X changed access. Choose the paid X API or a public-data Actor for ongoing collection, and archived datasets for historical work where their coverage fits.
Status checked 2026-11-12. Routes that work for X (Twitter) data
The official route first, then the catalogue Actors that fit this problem (posts), by their published fields. Store figures are the publisher's public numbers.
Official price: Charged per resource returned: $0.005 per Post, $0.010 per User. Owned Reads on qualifying own-account endpoints are $0.001 per resource. A 3 million Post-read monthly cap applies to self-serve pay-per-use. Compare all 20 X (Twitter) routes.
Routes that work for Reddit data
The official route first, then the catalogue Actors that fit this problem (posts), by their published fields. Store figures are the publisher's public numbers.
Official price: Commercial use requires a data agreement. Pricing is not published as a public rate card. Compare all 17 Reddit routes.
What is verified
| Fact | Value |
|---|
| Tool | Open-source Python scraper for social networks |
| X access | Unchanged unauthenticated routes stopped working after X's access changes |
| Maintenance | No active support commitment for X scraping |
| Replacement | Paid X API, public-data Actors, or archived datasets for historical work |
Why the X route broke
The X scraper depended on unauthenticated access routes that stopped working after X's access changes. Keeping the same requests and rerunning the script leaves that access problem unresolved.
There is no active support commitment for X scraping in snscrape. Check the snscrape repository for its status before assigning time to a repair.
Separate fresh collection from historical research
For fresh posts, compare the paid X API with a public-data Actor and verify that the chosen route retrieves the content you need. The official X documentation is the starting point for evaluating API access.
For historical research, inspect archived datasets for relevant periods and selection criteria. Check gaps before using an archive to answer a question about activity across time.
What works now
Match the replacement to the research task: use the paid X API or a currently working public-data Actor for collection, and examine archived datasets for historical coverage. Before migrating a Python project, check the required content and export format so the replacement can feed the existing analysis.
Questions people ask
Does snscrape still retrieve X posts without authentication?
Its unchanged unauthenticated X routes stopped working after X's access changes. Choose another collection route rather than relying on those requests.
Is an X fix actively supported?
There is no active support commitment for X scraping. Plan a migration if your work requires ongoing access.
Does the X failure affect every network in snscrape?
The reported access failure concerns its X routes. Check other network modules separately before deciding whether to replace the whole tool.
What can replace snscrape for historical research?
Archived datasets are an option when they cover the period and content your research needs. For additional collection through the paid X API or a public-data Actor, verify historical reach before committing.
Sources
Every dated claim on this page comes from the public sources below. Check the source before you make a business decision on it.
Content updated 2026-11-12Data checked 2026-11-12