Strava restricts API access and introduces $11.99/month developer subscription to combat AI scraping and zero-code tools

Strava now requires developers to pay a flat $11.99 / month subscription to access its API, replacing the previous free application model. The fitness-tracking platform attributes the change to 'zero-code AI tools' that allow users to quickly create apps that 'hammer' APIs, citing a 448% year-to-date increase in developer applications, policy violations by API intermediaries, and scraping attempts that have degraded platform performance.

Previously, developers could apply to use Strava's API for free and expand their access as they added more users. The new restrictions do not affect wearable and device integrations, users' ability to download their data for free, or a newly launched tool that allows users to link their fitness data — including pace, per-second heart rate, and GPS data — to Claude.

This follows Strava's earlier moves to tighten platform access, including restricting the data third-party apps can show in 2024. The company filed for an initial public offering in February.