Documentation
BuddyBoss Web

BuddyBoss Web
Learn how to install, configure and customise the BuddyBoss Platform and Theme to launch your online community or elearning site
BuddyBoss App

BuddyBoss App
Read our guides as we setup and configure your BuddyBoss App, including configuration, branding, testing and publishing your very own native app
Integrations

Integrations
Extend your site with our official and third party plugins. We’ll explain what’s possible and how they improve your Web and App experience
Recent Articles
Redirect User to Own Profile Page after Login
BuddyBoss Platform is now offering you default Redirection feature to redirect your user to your desired page. Check out the detailed video to understand how the feature can assist you instantly. Also, you can use the following function code to redirect users to own profile page after login. Please follow the steps below: 1. Go to Appearance > Theme Editor. 2. Under Select theme to edit, choose (BuddyBoss Child/whatever theme is active), then click Select. 3. Below Theme Files, select Theme Functions (functions.php). 4. Append the code just before the closing PHP tag “?>”: function redirect_to_profile( $redirect_to_calculated,
$redirect_url_specified, $user ) {
if ( ! $user || is_wp_error( $user ) ) {
return $redirect_to_calculated;
}
// If the redirect is not specified, assume it to be dashboard.
if ( empty( $redirect_to_calculated ) ) {
$redirect_to_calculated = admin_url();
}
// if the user is not site admin, redirect to his/her profile.
if ( function_exists( "bp_core_get_user_domain" ) && ! is_super_admin( $user->ID ) ) {
return bp_core_get_user_domain( $user->ID )."/activity/";
}
// if site admin or not logged in, do not do anything much.
return $redirect_to_calculated;
}
add_filter( "login_redirect", "redirect_to_profile", 100, 3 ); 5. Click Update File to save the changes. Note: Any modifications are considered as custom work already. Know more about our Support Policy here: https://www.buddyboss.com/support-policy/
Redirect to the Activity page after login
BuddyBoss Platform is now offering you default Redirection feature to redirect your user to your desired page. Check out the detailed video to understand how the feature can assist you instantly. Alou can use the following function code to redirect to the Activity page after login Please follow the steps below: 1. Go to Appearance > Theme Editor. 2. Under “Select theme to edit”, choose (BuddyBoss Child/whatever theme is active), then click “Select”. 3. Below Theme Files, select Theme Functions (functions.php). 4. Append the code just before the closing PHP tag “?>”: function redirect_to_profile( $redirect_to_calculated, $redirect_url_specified, $user ) {
if ( ! $user || is_wp_error( $user ) ) {
return $redirect_to_calculated;
}
// If the redirect is not specified, assume it to be dashboard.
if ( empty( $redirect_to_calculated ) ) {
$redirect_to_calculated = admin_url();
}
// if the user is not site admin, redirect to his/her profile.
if ( function_exists( 'bp_core_get_user_domain' ) && ! is_super_admin( $user->ID ) ) {
return bp_core_get_user_domain( $user->ID )."/activity/";
}
// if site admin or not logged in, do not do anything much.
return $redirect_to_calculated;
}
add_filter( 'login_redirect', 'redirect_to_profile', 100, 3 ); 5. Click Update File to save the changes. Note: Any modifications are considered as custom work already. Know more about our Support Policy here: https://www.buddyboss.com/support-policy/
Redirect Users to Specific Page after Login
BuddyBoss Platform is now offering you default Redirection feature to redirect your user to your desired page. Check out the detailed video to understand how the feature can assist you instantly. Also, you can use the following function code to redirect users to specific page. Please follow the steps below: 1. Go to Appearance > Theme Editor. 2. Under Select theme to edit, choose (BuddyBoss Child/whatever theme is active), then click Select. 3. Below Theme Files, select Theme Functions (functions.php). 4. Append the code just before the closing PHP tag “?>”: //Redirect after login
function bb_admin_default_page() {
return 'INSERT URL HERE';
}
add_filter('login_redirect', 'bb_admin_default_page', 100, 3); Note: Replace the YOUR URL HERE to the URL where you want your users to be redirected. 5. Click Update File to save the changes. Note: Any modifications are considered as custom work already. Know more about our Support Policy here: https://www.buddyboss.com/support-policy/
Redirect to Members Directory after login
BuddyBoss Platform is now offering you default Redirection feature to redirect your user to your desired page. Check out the detailed video to understand how the feature can assist you instantly. Apart from that you can use the following function code to redirect to the Members Directory after login. Please follow the steps below: 1. Go to Appearance > Theme Editor. 2. Under “Select theme to edit”, choose (BuddyBoss Child/whatever theme is active), then click “Select”. 3. Below Theme Files, select Theme Functions (functions.php). 4. Append the code just before the closing PHP tag “?>”: function redirect_to_members( $redirect_to_calculated, $redirect_url_specified, $user ) {
if ( ! $user || is_wp_error( $user ) ) {
return $redirect_to_calculated;
}
// If the redirect is not specified, assume it to be dashboard.
if ( empty( $redirect_to_calculated ) ) {
$redirect_to_calculated = admin_url();
}
// if the user is not site admin, redirect to his/her profile.
if ( function_exists( 'bp_core_get_user_domain' ) && ! is_super_admin( $user->ID ) ) {
return home_url()."/MEMBERS_PAGE_URL_HERE/";
}
// if site admin or not logged in, do not do anything much.
return $redirect_to_calculated;
}
add_filter( 'login_redirect', 'redirect_to_members', 100, 3 ); 5. Click Update File to save the changes. Note: Any modifications are considered as custom work already. Know more about our Support Policy here: https://www.buddyboss.com/support-policy/
Login/ Logout Redirect
With the Redirection feature, you can redirect your members when logging in and out from your website. You can also set a specific landing page for each profile type on your site. Configure Redirection Set After Login and After Logout Navigate to BuddyBoss - Settings - General. Scroll down to find the Redirection section. There are 2 options here- After Login and After Logout. If you select a page in the After Login section then the members will redirect to that page after they login. As you can see, you can search your desired page in the search box. For example, we select the News Feed. In the After Logout section we choose Groups. After that don’t forget to hit the Save Settings button. Patrick is a member who just login to the website and redirect to News Feed, as we have set in the Redirection. And Patrick redirects to Groups when he just logged out from the website. Custom URL There is another option to redirect your members. Here, you can use a Custom URL. Select Custom URL from the drop down menu. Now paste the URL where you want to direct your members like below. Then don’t forget to click Save Settings. We paste the course page for the members to redirect and Patrick just lead there after login to the website. Set Up Profile Types Go to BuddyBoss - Profiles - Profile Types. Let’s hit on Edit to customize the Teachers profile type. If you scroll down in the Teachers profile type you will find the Redirection option. To check this out select Custom URL for After Login and Members page for After Logout. Click the Update button at the top right side of this page. Adrita, a member navigates to the Custom URL we set in the backend after login to the website. After Logout she led to the Members page as we have set in the Teachers profile. And that’s how you can easily redirect specific profile types, logged in and logged out members to any page on your website.
Profile Avatar Icon
Configure Profile Avatar Icon Navigate to BuddyBoss > Settings > Profiles. Here you can see the Display Name Format is First Name. Scroll down to the Profile Images section. And you will see this new Display Name option under the Default Profile Avatar. If you scroll down more you will see the preview and how this will look on your web and app users. Before leaving don’t forget to click the Save Settings button from the bottom of this page. Let’s go to the Members page. You will clearly notice the new Display Name in the avatar of users profile who haven’t uploaded any picture yet. As for this site, I have selected First name so it will show single initials on the default profile avatar. Go to the Groups section from the backend. Under the Group Settings, scroll down to the Group Images section. Then select Group Name for the Default Group Avatar. You can also preview the cover image here for web and app users. Now, hit the Save Settings button. Let’s switch to the frontend to demonstrate how this feature will appear on my website. Using initials as a profile avatar can strike a balance between providing a visual representation of a user while respecting privacy and maintaining a professional and organized appearance.
Recent Replies Forum Widget
Configure Forum Recent Replies Widget Navigate to Appearance - Widgets. Let’s say we want to add the Forum Recent Replies widget. We will add this in Activity -> Directory Left. Click the plus (+) icon and in the search bar find the widget. After clicking on the widget you will just add it there. Add a new Title and write the maximum number of replies you want to show. Also you can Show the post date and reply author by just hitting the check boxes. Lastly, don't forget to hit the Update button. Reload your News Feed, you will find the widget at left so beautifully with all the addons you just made in the backend.
BB Forums List Widget
Configure Forums List Widget Navigate to Appearance - Widgets. Then click on any place where you want to add the Forums List widget. In the search bar find the widget and drag it to the plus (+) icon. Change the Title and don’t forget to hit the Update button. As you have added the widget in the Page Sidebar, you will find the widget in any of your published pages like the image here.
Hosting Recommendations for the BuddyBoss Platform
Hosting a BuddyBoss platform website demands specialized attention. Unlike traditional blog websites that are content-heavy yet static, a BuddyBoss site is dynamic, reflecting the ever-changing nature of a social networking platform. With users constantly logging in, posting, and interacting, the content remains in flux. Traditional page caching plugins, such as W3 Total Cache, and server site caches, such as Varnish and Breeze, fall short in this scenario, as they could lead to users receiving outdated content. It’s clear, then: the very essence of BuddyBoss demands a specialized server environment capable of handling constant database interactions. In the past, we had recommended platforms like KnownHost, Cloudways, and AWS. While they served their purpose at the time, they weren’t the ultimate solution. Cloudways, while user-friendly, doesn’t extract the full performance potential for BuddyBoss. On the other end of the spectrum, AWS, despite its robustness, can become a labyrinth for the average user. This propelled us to design our own hosting platform, encompassing all the above elements and more. Crafted to perfection over 18 months, this solution epitomizes what a dynamic WordPress site requires. Our journey through hosting comparisons led to an epiphany: many WordPress hosts cater primarily to simpler blogs and websites. Their offerings, while commendable, don’t align with the needs of dynamic sites. This realization birthed Rapyd. After 18 months of dedication, we’ve sculpted a hosting solution tailored for dynamic WordPress sites and apps. Key Components for an Optimized BuddyBoss Hosting Setup Infrastructure Grounded in AWS: AWS is more than just a cloud provider. When tailored right, it provides a robust foundation for any high-performance website, especially dynamic WordPress sites and apps. While AWS remains our top pick, other cloud providers might also fit the bill for certain needs although the performance may suffer. LiteSpeed Enterprise Server – Speed Personified: Dynamic websites crave speed and concurrency. Enter LiteSpeed Enterprise Server. With a track record that outshines other servers, its prowess shines brightest when juggling multiple tasks, ensuring BuddyBoss sites are consistently snappy. MariaDB – The Swift Data Conduit: In the dynamic world of WordPress, data needs to flow seamlessly. MariaDB, equipped with specialized engines, ensures data moves rapidly, underpinning agile sites. The Art of Benchmarking: Any claims of superiority need backing. Tools like the WPPerformanceTester plugin provide tangible evidence, allowing for comparisons between hosting providers. Such tests, while not exhaustive, spotlight those that reign supreme in the hosting arena. LiteSpeed Cache – Always Ready: The significance of caching systems is paramount. Integrating with LiteSpeed Cache ensures content remains at the fingertips, slashing load times impressively. The Dynamic Quartet – Redis Cache, Relay, LiteSpeedPHP & Object Cache Pro Plugin: Elevating the caching and efficiency frontier, Redis Cache, paired with Relay, delivers superior caching solutions. In sync with LiteSpeedPHP and aided by the efficiency-boosting Object Cache Pro, this powerful quartet supercharges WordPress sites, enhancing responsiveness, concurrency and ensuring seamless operations with reduced database strains. Adapt and Conquer: Being adaptable in the tech world is pivotal. Leveraging the power of cutting-edge servers, and being flexible to migrate to newer, more potent servers ensures BuddyBoss sites harness the best tech available. Conclusion: Why All This Matters This isn’t just about hosting. It’s about providing an environment where BuddyBoss platforms can thrive. It’s about speed, efficiency, and seamless user experiences, even with a surge of concurrent users. While some community owners opt for custom setups through freelancers, the challenges of initial setup costs, software expenses, and ongoing maintenance surges can be daunting. Deep Dive into Rapyd- The Hosting Solution for Dynamic WordPress Sites & Apps For a deeper dive into our hosting journey, insights, and Rapyd’s capabilities, check out our podcast episode. Discover more about Rapyd, the ultimate hosting solution for hosting dynamic WordPress sites & apps.
Hosting Recommendations for the BuddyBoss App
Hosting Recommendations When using the BuddyBoss App, you need to have some special considerations as it is a highly dynamic mobile application, with potentially many users logging into it simultaneously. If you are already hosting a website powered by BuddyBoss Platform or LearnDash, you will be happy to know that the BuddyBoss App performs substantially faster than the web versions of these plugins due to the advanced caching system we have built, explained more below. API Caching The BuddyBoss App is a native mobile app for iOS and Android. The app itself is powered by the user’s phone hardware, however, the content in the app is coming from APIs that request data from WordPress. The primary bottleneck to performance is how fast the API responses can be generated by WordPress, which determines how long the app will need to wait to receive an API response to get the data it requested. When you enable API Caching in the BuddyBoss App plugin settings, the plugin automatically caches most API responses from BuddyBoss Platform and from LearnDash, so that subsequent visits in the app are pulling data from a pre-built cache instead of waiting for WordPress to generate the data in real-time. The cache is unique to each user and automatically updated when data changes in the app or the website. This feature will work out of the box on most servers. The benefits from caching are that individual page loads in the app are faster than the web, and the app can handle more concurrent users at a time than the web, as only a small percentage of the requests are actually going through WordPress. If some portion of your existing traffic shifts from the web version of your community to the app, you should actually see a reduced burden on your server resources, provided that you have enabled API caching. In the future, we will integrate this same technology into BuddyBoss Platform, to improve performance and scalability on the web platform, and to allow a user’s cached data to be automatically shared between the app and the web. Hardware Requirements The usage of CPU, RAM, and storage space can vary significantly depending on many factors. These hardware recommendations are based on our own tested deployments, testing an app powered by the BuddyBoss Platform and LearnDash plugins, with 100% of the user traffic in the app, and with API caching enabled. If you are using additional plugins, or if a significant portion of your users access your community from the web, you may need additional hardware. Additionally, your resource requirements may grow or shrink depending on how active your users are, and how many photos, documents, and other media they upload. With cloud hosting, you can increase your hardware at any time without migrating your website. Up to 150 Concurrent Users or less Up to 300 Concurrent Users or less Up to 600 Concurrent Users or less Up to 1200 Concurrent Users or less Memory/Ram Minimum Requirement 16GB+ 32GB+ 64GB+ 128GB+ CPU Minimum Requirement 8+ Cores 16+ Cores 32+ Cores 64+ Cores Storage (Estimated) 50GB+ (Depending on the amount of content being stored) 100GB+ (Depending on the amount of content being stored) 150GB+ (Depending on the amount of content being stored) 200GB+ (Depending on the amount of content being stored) Network Bandwidth (Estimated) 125GB+/month 250GB+/month 500GB+/month 1TB+/month Server Software Requirements Ask your web host to configure your server with the following: Linux operating system Remove NGINX PHP version 8.1 MariaDB version 10.1+ (or MySQL version 8.1+) SSL (HTTPS support) MariaDB is an open-source alternative to MySQL and is recommended over MySQL for performance benefits. Just ask your web host to use MariaDB if available. Things to Avoid ake sure your web host is not doing any of the following: Blocking API requests to external applications Requiring WordPress to use the web host’s caching system Disabling core WordPress features Some WordPress-focused web hosts have artificial limitations to improve the performance of WordPress sites, which is useful for static sites such as WordPress blogs. However, this can create problems for a dynamic application that has thousands of users requesting unique data in real-time. We recommend sticking with general-purpose cloud hosts that provide a lot of performance for the cost, and avoiding any web hosts that limit WordPress and other features. Hosting Recommendations We strongly recommend hosting the BuddyBoss App, and BuddyBoss Platform, on cloud hosting. Shared hosting is not powerful enough for an interactive application, and dedicated servers / virtual private servers are not able to scale up and down easily. With cloud hosting, you can easily increase the server’s resources as needed with little to no downtime. Make sure to read our Hardware Requirements section below to determine which hosting package you will need to purchase from your selected cloud host. In the past, we had recommended platforms like KnownHost, Cloudways, and AWS. While they served their purpose at the time, they weren't the ultimate solution. Cloudways, while user-friendly, doesn't extract the full performance potential for BuddyBoss. On the other end of the spectrum, AWS, despite its robustness, can become a labyrinth for the average user. Key Components for an Optimized BuddyBoss Hosting Setup Infrastructure Grounded in AWS: AWS is more than just a cloud provider. When tailored right, it provides a robust foundation for any high-performance website, especially dynamic WordPress sites and apps. While AWS remains our top pick, other cloud providers might also fit the bill for certain needs. LiteSpeed Enterprise Server - Speed Personified: Dynamic websites crave speed and concurrency. Enter LiteSpeed Enterprise Server. With a track record that outshines other servers, its prowess shines brightest when juggling multiple tasks, ensuring BuddyBoss sites are consistently snappy. MariaDB - The Swift Data Conduit: In the dynamic world of WordPress, data needs to flow seamlessly. MariaDB, equipped with specialized engines, ensures data moves rapidly, underpinning agile sites. The Art of Benchmarking: Any claims of superiority need backing. Tools like the WPPerformanceTester plugin provide tangible evidence, allowing for comparisons between hosting providers. Such tests, while not exhaustive, spotlight those that reign supreme in the hosting arena. LiteSpeed Cache - Always Ready: The significance of caching systems is paramount. Integrating with LiteSpeed Cache ensures content remains at the fingertips, slashing load times impressively. Redis Cache, Relay & LiteSpeedPHP - The Power Trio: Stepping up the caching game, Redis Cache coupled with Relay offers a superior caching solution. In tandem with LiteSpeedPHP, this trio supercharges WordPress sites, enhancing responsiveness and concurrency. Object Cache Pro Plugin - Efficiency Maximized: Achieving peak performance involves minimizing database strains. Plugins like Object Cache Pro come into play here, reducing database workload and ensuring seamless operations. Adapt and Conquer: Being adaptable in the tech world is pivotal. Leveraging the power of cutting-edge servers, and being flexible to migrate to newer, more potent servers, ensures BuddyBoss sites harness the best tech available. Introducing Rapyd Our journey through hosting comparisons led to an epiphany: many WordPress hosts cater primarily to simpler blogs and websites. Their offerings, while commendable, don't align with the needs of dynamic sites. This realization birthed Rapyd. After 18 months of dedication, we've sculpted a hosting solution tailored for dynamic WordPress sites and apps. For a deeper dive into our hosting journey, insights, and Rapyd's capabilities, check out our podcast episode. Discover more about Rapyd, the ultimate hosting solution for hosting dynamic WordPress sites & apps.