As far as I understand they are shutting down open subtitles.org API, but the jellyfin plugin uses the .com version. The free account there is limited to 20 downloads per day via API
People are getting the their pitchforks out but I think they are misunderstanding. Opensubtitles.ORG is being replaced by opensubtitles.COM. They just are stopping access to the ORG website. I have already migrated to the COM website for a while. And a 20 downloads/a day limit for free users is very reasonable.
Is it? It's a simple text file, the download costs them close to nothing. 20 subtitles per day is laughable, especially because other people make the subtitles.
Bandwidth and hosting still cost money, period. And why would 20 be laughable? What would be okay by your book? 50? 100? 1000? 20 per day is fine for most users, how much content are you downloading every single day that it wouldn't be?
"Subtitles downloaded by VIP members are free from any embedded ads, offering a cleaner viewing experience."
I haven't used opensubtitles much but have been considering setting up bazarr, using a source that embeds ads in subtitles would be a non starter for me.
I would even be totally willing to pay for increased download limits but not if it means supporting putting ads in the free subtitles.
I use bazarr in combination with a vip membership of opensubtitles. I've been doing this for years since they have been adding ads in them for multiple years. Messages like "This subtitle was downloaded from" are also removed.