Access Settings - Who Can Create Posts
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.
Access & Permissions Settings
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.
RoleCan Create PostsAuto-PublishSubscriberIf checkedNo - Goes to Pending ReviewContributorIf checkedNo - Goes to Pending ReviewAuthorIf checkedYes - Publishes immediatelyEditorIf checkedYes - Publishes immediatelyAdministratorAlways allowedYes - 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