You Asked, We Listened – Strava’s New Developer Program
Strava is home to a global community of 100 million active people. Over half of our users are connected to apps, products and experiences that are powered by our API. We understand that developers like you are helping to create an even more expansive experience for our users.
Although the Strava API has enabled countless apps to grow over time – a desire for clearer process and developer support remain high in our developer community. That’s why we’re so excited to share our new Developer Program.
How Do I Apply For the New Developer Program?
We're asking that all applications using our external API submit their apps for review. All existing app owners should submit this form by October 26th, 2023. This will help us survey the tens of thousands (over 85k!) apps leveraging Strava data, and be sure that each app is:
- given the appropriate level of support
- up to date on our API agreement
- compliant with our branding guidelines
- respecting athlete privacy
- operating within the necessary rate limits
Single Player Mode
If you're a developer who intends to use your app solely for yourself, and just your data, you'll be operating in Single Player Mode. For those newly created apps who intend to expand to our athlete community, moving forward you will be required to fill out our form for review. Until your app has been reviewed, you won't be able to authenticate any additional athletes to your app.
Athlete Capacity
Applications will have a ceiling they may come up against for connected users. Your application's athlete capacity will be visible in your API Settings Dashboard, and will also be returned with every API request as part of the HTTP headers.
This is to ensure that as applications scale, we are able to work with developers as they grow, and ensure that they are getting the support that they need. Growth will often come with the need for more support and adjusted rate limits.
Rate Limits
Our default rate limit will now be 200 requests every 15 minutes, with up to 2,000 requests per day, increased from 100 requests every 15 minutes, and 1,000 requests per day.
Read rate limits: applications will now have a separate rate limit associated with the endpoints we consider “Read” access.
What we consider to be the read rate limit will encompass all endpoints with the exception of:
- POST activities (activities#create)
- POST uploads (uploads#create)
- activities#upload_media
Your read rate limit and your overall rate limit will be different and can be viewed in your API settings dashboard, and will also be returned with every API request as part of the HTTP headers. These values will be set after a review of your current usage, with the intent to not cause any interruptions to your application’s behavior.
Welcome to the Developer Space
This program launch also includes our new Developer Space. (You’re in it right now! 👋) Here you’ll find helpful resources in our Developer Forums and Knowledge Base. Keep an eye on this space for developer spotlight posts, professional opportunities and more.
