How to submit to API List, and alternatives

Developer directory · Checked October 18, 2026

API List is a public list of free APIs for programmers, and API owners can add their own.

Best for: free APIs and APIs with a free tier.

Visit API List

What API List does for a launch

Developer directories list libraries, open-source projects, APIs, self-hosted apps and MCP servers. Developers search them with a job in mind, and many are built from GitHub repos or pull requests rather than a submit form, so a clear README matters as much as the listing.

How to get listed on API List

  1. Check how API List adds projects: a submit form, a pull request to a list, or automatic indexing from GitHub or a package registry.
  2. Make your README do the selling: what it does in one line, a screenshot or GIF, install steps and a license.
  3. Pick the most specific category or tag; developers browse narrowly.
  4. If API List works from pull requests, follow its contribution guide exactly: format, alphabetical order and description length.
  5. Keep the project active. Many developer directories rank or hide projects by recent commits and releases.

Tips for API List

  • Note your free tier limits in the description.

What to prepare before you submit

You'll paste the same things into every launch platform and directory, so write them once:

  • A tagline under 60 characters that says what it does (see how to write a product tagline).
  • A description under 160 characters, plus a longer one of two or three short paragraphs.
  • A square logo (at least 256×256) and three or four screenshots at the same size.
  • Your pricing in one line, including whether there's a free plan.
  • A spreadsheet of where you submitted, the listing URL and whether the link is followed.

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Frequently asked questions

Is listing on API List free?
Most developer and open-source directories are free, and some are community-maintained lists you add to by pull request. Check API List's submit or contributing page for its current rules.
Does my project need to be open source for API List?
It depends on the directory. Open-source lists require an open-source license, while API, MCP and tool directories often accept closed-source and paid products too. API List's submission rules say which.
Does a API List listing help SEO?
It helps developers discover the project and gives search engines another page about it. Links from lists on GitHub and many directories are nofollow, so the value is mostly in being found.

IndieLaunch isn't affiliated with API List. What's here comes from its own site, checked October 18, 2026; prices and policies change, so check before you submit. Our full list is in the startup directories guide.

API List alternatives