---
published: true
layout: post
title: APIs Role In Understanding Tech Platform Monetization Systems
date: 2025-04-30T09:00:00.000Z
tags:
  - Monetization
  - Advertising
  - Social Media
image: https://kinlane-productions2.s3.amazonaws.com/algorotoscope-master/copper-circuit-old-piano-playing-hospital.jpg
---
I am spending more time thinking about [where good APIs go bad](https://apievangelist.com/2025/04/02/where-good-apis-go-bad/), and it is something that has helped me understand how things change once a platform moves beyond doing the original thing they are known for and begin scaling and automating their monetization functions using APIs. You can see what I am talking about relfected in [why monetization governance is the next frontier of tech policy](https://www.techpolicy.press/beyond-content-why-monetization-governance-is-the-next-frontier-of-tech-policy/), and [why monetization systems are what is broken and in need of fixing](https://www.whattofix.tech/publications/monetization2025/). From my experience the problem isn’t just that these platforms have developed monetization functions, it is that they are scaling them using APIs and providing a Las Vegas style casino on top of the social layer that has emerged around the globe.

- [**Facebook**](https://developers.facebook.com/docs/marketing-apis/) - The key to Metas valuation and revenue.
- [**Instagram**](https://developers.facebook.com/docs/instagram-platform/instagram-api-with-facebook-login) - Still bringing Instagram under the Meta fold.
- [**Youtube**](https://developers.google.com/google-ads/api/docs/start) - Youtube is all woven in with Google’s ad monoplogy.
- [**Tiktok**](https://business-api.tiktok.com/portal) - Tiktok working to kick everyone’s ass in this game.
- [**Snapchat**](https://businesshelp.snapchat.com/s/article/api-apply) - I don’t think a lot about Snapchat, but they are still a player.
- [**X**](https://developer.x.com/en/docs/x-ads-api) - Look forward to diving into what is left here and who is using.

As I do, I will be profiling each of these APIs using APIs.json, OpenAPI, and JSON Schema, and then doing a diff on the business and technical aspects of how they handle the monetization layer for their platform using advertising. I agree that the monetization layer, and specifically the advertising layer for these platforms will be the future of regulationn technology. I think these APIs reflect another dimension of the secondary markets we are seeing being rolled out right now, and invested in by not just Silicon Valley but increasingly as part of mainstream banking. These APIs reflect the layers in which our daily lives are being used in a digital Vegas style casino.