Control which members can create blog posts on your site. These settings determine who sees the “Write Post” button and who can access the blog creation form.
What You’ll Learn
- How to allow or restrict posting by user role
- How to use BuddyPress member types for access control
- How role and member type settings work together
Finding Access Settings
Go to Member Blog → Settings → Access & Permissions in your WordPress admin.
Step 1: Select Allowed User Roles
Check the boxes next to each WordPress role that should be able to create posts.
| Role | Can Create Posts | Auto-Publish |
|---|---|---|
| Subscriber | If checked | No – Goes to Pending Review |
| Contributor | If checked | No – Goes to Pending Review |
| Author | If checked | Yes – Publishes immediately |
| Editor | If checked | Yes – Publishes immediately |
| Administrator | Always allowed | Yes – Publishes immediately |
Default: Subscriber, Contributor, Author, and Editor are all checked.
Step 2: Select Allowed Member Types (Optional)
If you use BuddyPress or BuddyBoss with member types configured, you’ll see an additional dropdown.
How it works:
- No selection: All member types can create posts (no restriction)
- One or more selected: Only those member types can create posts
Example: You have “Free Member” and “Premium Member” types. Select only “Premium Member” to make blogging a premium-only feature.
How Role + Member Type Work Together
Both conditions must be met (AND logic):
- User’s role must be in the allowed roles list
- AND user’s member type must be in the allowed types list (if any selected)
Example: If you allow “Author” role and “Premium Member” type, a user must be BOTH an Author AND a Premium Member to create posts.
Common Configurations
Open Community Blog
- Check all roles (Subscriber through Editor)
- Don’t select any member types
- Result: Any logged-in member can write posts
Premium Blogging Feature
- Check desired roles
- Select only “Premium Member” type
- Result: Only paying members can write posts
Trusted Authors Only
- Check only “Author” and “Editor” roles
- Don’t select any member types
- Result: Only users you’ve promoted can write posts
Tips
- Start with more restrictive settings and open up as needed
- Remember that Subscribers and Contributors need posts approved before publishing
- Changes take effect immediately – no need for users to log out
Related Docs
- Content Settings – Categories and Media
- Editor Settings – Choosing the Writing Experience
- Post Restrictions (PRO) – Limit posts per time period