Cost Calculator
Unified API vs native API engineering cost calculator
Use this calculator model to estimate whether your team should build native platform integrations or buy a unified API.
Last verified 2026-06-23
Cost model
The core tradeoff is not only first build cost. It is also review, maintenance, retries, policy changes, and support work.
Initial integration2-6 weeks per major platformDepends on OAuth, media, scheduling, and analytics depth.
App reviewDays to weeksRequires demos, test users, screenshots, and policy explanations.
MaintenanceOngoingNative APIs change scopes, limits, and behaviors over time.
Support burdenCustomer-facingEvery platform error becomes a support and product education problem.
Unified APIOne integration plus vendor costBest when publishing is important but not your core infrastructure advantage.
FAQ
When should I build native integrations?
Build native integrations when platform depth is your core product advantage or when you need features a unified API does not expose.
When should I use a unified API?
Use a unified API when your goal is to ship reliable social publishing, not maintain every platform integration yourself.