Strava says less than .1% of apps will be affected by the API overhaul.
Strava has made some big changes to its API
Users are upset and angry because they preclude third-party apps from using a lot of Strava data
Some have warned it could destroy the app ecosystem built up around Strava
Strava says that less than .1% of applications will be affected by a major change to its API (application programming interface) agreement, following user backlash to a series of proposed changes by the popular fitness platform.
A few days ago, Strava announced new API terms for its users and partners that will restrict the data that can be used and shown by third-party apps. Specifically, the company is introducing more privacy so that third-party apps can only display a user’s Strava activity data to that specific user.
Third parties are now explicitly prohibited from using any data obtained by Strava’s API in artificial intelligence models, and more terms have been added: « to protect Strava’s unique look and feel and functionality, helping users easily distinguish between Strava and third-party platforms. »Why are users unhappy?
The changes made by Strava have generated some quite intense user backlash, notably a YouTube video from DC Rainmaker that explains the impact of some of the changes. As he notes, tens of thousands of apps and training platforms rely on Strava’s API to provide users with fitness insights. He warns that Strava’s new changes could have a series of unfortunate consequences.
For instance, under the new rules, data synced to third-party platforms can’t be shown to a coach. This is a change apps like Intervals.icu are already getting to grips with. Intervals, a popular cycling app, relied on its users funneling data from cycling program Zwift into Strava, which then funneled data into Intervals. Now, according to a post on the Intervals.icu forum, developers are working on a direct pathway from Zwift to Intervals without requiring Strava to be involved at all. Furthermore, apps like VeloViewer may no longer be able to show user data on their leaderboards.
The AI changes noted could cripple apps like TrainerRoad, which currently provides AI-generated plans and workouts using Strava API Materials.
