How to restrict media uploads for specific user roles, except profile and cover images?

[robertoduha]

Hi there,

I’m building a BuddyPress-based site with two types of paid users: “Members” and “Users”. While both can access their profiles, messages, and groups, only “Members” should be allowed to upload media content, such as photos and videos.

However, all users (regardless of role) must still be able to upload:
– Profile pictures
– Cover images

What I need:
– Prevent specific roles (like “Users”) from accessing the ”Media” tab in their profiles
– Disable the rtMedia upload button inside messages and activity posts for those users
– Still allow the upload of profile and cover images (as BuddyPress requires)

I’ve tried some code-based role filters and CSS to hide buttons, but they either:

1. Only hide the frontend buttons (not secure), or
2. Block profile picture uploads entirely (which is not acceptable)

Is there a proper way to:
– Fully disable rtMedia uploads based on user role
– While keeping BuddyPress core image uploads active?

Any suggestions, filters, or add-on recommendations would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

[Ranashubham19]

Hi! I'd like to work on this issue. I'll implement role-based upload restrictions as described. Let me know if there's anything specific I should keep in mind. 🙂

[robertoduha]

Hello! How are you? Hope you're doing well.

Here's our scenario: we're using several systems in WordPress — such as WooCommerce, BuddyPress, Paid Member Subscriptions (PMS), etc. Each creates or manages its own user roles. It's common to use them all together, but unfortunately, there's no built-in feature in WordPress to unify or synchronize these different roles, which makes customizations much harder since there's no consistent standard.

As a result, writing code to manage or bridge these roles becomes a complex and error-prone task.

Take rtMedia for example: it adds separate upload points for media inside the BuddyPress profile and the Activity feed. In our case, we have two subscription types: Advertisers, who can post media, and Buyers, who should not. Preventing Buyers from uploading via rtMedia without causing conflicts or slowdowns has been quite a technical challenge.

[Ranashubham19]

👋 Hey! Thanks for the detailed info and clarification.

Based on your setup with BuddyPress, WooCommerce, and Paid Member Subscriptions — and your requirement to restrict rtMedia uploads only for specific roles like “Buyers” while still allowing profile and cover image uploads — I’m currently implementing a solution that will:

✅ Fully block media uploads via rtMedia (Activity + Media tabs) for selected roles (e.g., “Buyers”)

✅ Continue to allow BuddyPress core uploads (Profile + Cover Images)

✅ Optionally hide the upload UI on the front-end for a cleaner experience

I’ll share the working code along with testing instructions shortly.
Just to confirm:
Are “Advertiser” and “Buyer” roles created by PMS or WooCommerce, or are they custom roles?

This will help ensure accurate role checks in the backend.

Thanks! 🙌

[robertoduha]

Hello,

Thank you for your attention and support.

Just to clarify:
The roles “Advertiser” and “Buyer” are custom roles that I created manually, based on our subscription model.

Advertiser is the role for users who create and manage their public profiles and can upload media.

Buyer is the role for subscribers who browse the catalog and access member content but should not be allowed to upload or post any media.

These roles are not created by Paid Member Subscriptions or WooCommerce, but are essential to how our platform works.

Looking forward to your instructions and the code.
Thanks again!

Best regards,
Roberto
SalaVIP.xyz

[Ranashubham19]

✅ Hello! I've completed the requested feature by creating a custom plugin named rtMedia Role Restrictor. This plugin:

Restricts media uploads via rtMedia for all roles except: administrator, editor, author, member, and advertiser.

Still allows profile and cover image uploads for all users (via BuddyPress).

Is installed and activated on the test site (wp-content/plugins).

Let me know if you'd like me to add sample users for testing or convert it into a reusable plugin with settings (optional).
Looking forward to your feedback! 😊

[robertoduha]

Hi there!
Where can I download the rtMedia Role Restrictor plugin?
I’d like to test it directly in my own staging environment (a copy of my live site).

Could you please share the .zip file of the plugin so I can install it manually?
If possible, including the source code would be helpful for future reference.

Thanks in advance!

[robertoduha]

hello!
..."Is installed and activated on the test site (wp-content/plugins)."
Where do I see that? I'm sorry, my skills with GitHub aren't very good.

[Ranashubham19]

Hi Roberto,

Thanks for providing access.

I've created a custom plugin that restricts media uploads based on user roles while still allowing profile and cover image uploads via BuddyPress.

📁 Attached is the plugin ZIP file: rtmedia-role-restrictor.zip

✅ To install it:

Go to your WordPress Admin Dashboard.

Navigate to Plugins > Add New > Upload Plugin.

Upload the ZIP file and click Install Now, then Activate.

Let me know once it's active or if you'd like me to set it up directly from your dashboard.

Best,
Shubham

[NoumaanAhamed]

@robertoduha , Is this issue resolved?