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# What Is An API? [VIDEO]
- URL: https://www.hypebot.com/what-is-an-api/
- Published: 2014-03-18T11:30:00.000Z
- Updated: 2014-03-18T11:30:00.000Z
- Description: We write a lot about APIs, but not every Hypebot reader really knows what one is. Spotify bought The Echo Nest, in large part, for theirs. Beats just proudly opened. Continue reading [https://www.hypebot.com/hypebot/2014/03/what-is-an-api.html]
- Author: Bruce Houghton
- Tags: Music Tech, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-01-21 10:38

[![connected](http://hypebot.typepad.com/.a/6a00d83451b36c69e201a73d93710a970d-115wi "connected")](http://hypebot.typepad.com/.a/6a00d83451b36c69e201a73d93710a970d-popup?ref=hypebot.com)

We write a lot about APIs, but not every Hypebot reader really knows what one is. Spotify bought The Echo Nest, in large part, for theirs. Beats just proudly opened up theirs to developers. BandPage recently announced impressive partnerships that make it easier for artists to control their image on the web rivaling prior API deals by Songkick and BandsInTown. They're everywhere, but what is an API?

By definition an [application programming interface](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Application%5Fprogramming%5Finterface?ref=hypebot.com) (API) specifies how some software components interact with each other. This quick [ReadWrite video](http://readwrite.com/2014/03/14/api-explainer-intel?ref=hypebot.com#awesm=~oyRynUeE73RmPw) explains:

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