Twitter/X keyword alerts without the API (2026)
Quick answer: You don't need to pay X's expensive API to get keyword alerts. X-Relay's search tracker monitors any keyword, phrase, cashtag or operator (like from:vitalik eth) and pushes matches to Discord and Telegram instantly, with filters (min followers/likes, language, exclude replies/RT, whale filter) to cut spam — plus CA detection on matches. From $15/mo, 3-day free trial.
The API problem
X's official API runs into the thousands of dollars a month at usable tiers — overkill for a trader who just wants keyword alerts. A managed tracker gives you the alerts without the API bill or the maintenance.
What you can monitor
- Keywords / phrases — "airdrop", "mainnet", "bitcoin etf".
- Cashtags — $SOL, $BTC, any ticker.
- Operators —
from:handle keywordto watch a specific account for a term. - Modes — ⚡ Latest (firehose) or 🔥 Top (high-signal only).
Killing the spam
Open keywords attract bots. X-Relay's filters fix that: minimum followers, minimum likes, language, exclude replies, exclude retweets, and a whale filter that only fires when a tracked KOL posts the term. Surge and First-wave badges flag genuine momentum.
Setup
- Open @x_relay_bot or run Discord
/addsearch. - Enter your keyword/cashtag, pick Latest or Top, set filters.
- Choose your Discord/Telegram destination. Matches arrive instantly.
FAQ
Can I get Twitter keyword alerts without the official API?
Yes — X-Relay's search tracker monitors keywords/cashtags/operators and delivers to Discord and Telegram without you paying for X's API. From $15/mo.
How do I stop keyword-alert spam?
Use filters: minimum followers/likes, language, exclude replies/RTs, or the whale filter that only fires when a tracked KOL posts the term.
Does it detect contract addresses in keyword matches?
Yes — CA detection runs on matches, with DexScreener data attached.