How to Scrape X.com (Twitter) in 2026

Scraping X.com (formerly Twitter) in 2025 is significantly more challenging than it was just a few years ago. Since the shutdown of the free API in 2023, X.com has introduced frequent and aggressive anti-scraping measures that break custom scrapers every few weeks. This guide explains why scraping X.com is difficult, what keeps breaking, and the most practical way to collect data reliably in 2026.

Why Scraping X.com Is So Difficult in 2026

X.com actively fights automated data collection. The platform updates its defenses every 2–4 weeks, forcing developers to constantly adapt.

The biggest challenges include:

• Expiring guest tokens

• Rotating GraphQL doc_ids

• Strict rate limits

• Advanced IP and fingerprint detection

Maintaining a DIY scraper now requires ongoing reverse engineering and monitoring.

The End of the Free Twitter API

In early 2023, X.com discontinued its free API access. The official paid API now starts at $42,000 per year, offering very limited access.

For most developers, startups, and researchers, this pricing makes the official API impractical—pushing scraping to be the only viable option.

What Breaks Most X.com Scrapers

1. Guest Tokens

Guest tokens are required for all GraphQL requests:

• Expire every few hours

• Are tied to IP addresses

• Change acquisition methods frequently

Once a token expires, all requests fail until a new one is generated.

2. doc_id Rotation

Each GraphQL query uses a doc_id:

• Rotates every few weeks

• Has no public documentation

• Must be reverse-engineered from frontend JavaScript

Outdated doc_ids cause silent failures or empty responses.

3. Rate Limits & IP Blocking

X.com enforces:

• ~300 requests per hour per IP

• Instant blocking of datacenter IPs

• TLS and browser fingerprint detection

Without residential proxies and realistic browser behavior, scraping fails quickly.

The Real Maintenance Cost of DIY Scraping

Running your own scraper requires:

• Constant monitoring of API failures

• Reversing new doc_ids

• Updating token logic

• Managing proxy pools

• Implementing rate-limit backoff strategies

On average, this costs 10–15 hours per month just to keep a scraper working.

What Data Can Be Scraped Without Login

Without authentication, you can still scrape:

• Public profiles

• Public tweets

• Engagement counts (likes, replies, reposts)

• Threads and replies

• Public search results (limited)

You cannot access private accounts, bookmarks, or full timelines without login.

The Most Practical Solution in 2026

Instead of maintaining your own scraper, the most reliable approach is using a maintained scraping solution that updates automatically when X.com changes.

A maintained scraper:

• Automatically handles guest tokens

• Tracks and updates doc_ids

• Includes residential proxy rotation

• Mimics real browser behavior

• Updates within hours—not weeks

This removes the ongoing maintenance burden entirely.

How X.com Data Is Loaded (Simplified)

X.com works as follows:

1. Page loads minimal HTML

2. JavaScript requests a guest token

3. Token is validated and bound to IP

4. GraphQL queries are sent using doc_ids

5. JSON responses are returned and rendered

A working scraper must replicate this flow exactly.

Best Proxy Strategy for X.com Scraping

Residential proxies are mandatory.for this you use BitBrowser 

Best practices:

• Use sticky sessions (10–15 minutes)

• Rotate IPs slowly

• Avoid datacenter proxies entirely

• Match IP location with browser fingerprint

Datacenter IPs are blocked almost instantly.

Legal Considerations

Scraping public data is generally legal in many jurisdictions.
However, X.com’s Terms of Service restrict automated access.

Always:

• Scrape responsibly

• Avoid excessive request rates

• Consult legal counsel for commercial use

Final Thoughts

Scraping X.com in 2025 is no longer about writing clever code—it’s about maintaining it continuously. With frequent platform changes, DIY scrapers break often and demand significant ongoing effort.

For anyone needing reliable, scalable X.com data, a maintained scraping solution is now the most practical and cost-effective approach.