Plugin
Updated
BuddyPress User Circles
BuddyPress User Circles by BuddyDev is an add-on plugin for BuddyPress that lets your members group other users into personal lists called circles. Members can build circles such as Family, Close Friends or Colleagues, then use them to filter activity and keep track of the people who matter most to them.
- Version
- 1.3.3
- Released
- Jul 18, 2025
- Developer
- BuddyDev
- Type
- WordPress plugin
- Requires
- BuddyPress
- Licence
- GPL
- Included in
- Every plan, or $3.99 a year on its own
What’s new in BuddyPress User Circles 1.3.3
Version 1.3.3 · Jul 18, 2025
Latest
- FixedFixed localization notice on WordPress 6.7+.
- ImprovedStrengthen security for admin settings access.
What it does
On a busy community site, the activity stream fills up fast, and members can lose track of the people they actually want to follow. This plugin gives each user a way to organize connections into circles they name themselves. Once circles exist, members can filter the activity stream by circle and focus on updates from a specific group of people. Notifications let users know when they are added to or removed from someone's circle, so the connections stay visible to everyone involved.
Site administrators get a set of controls to shape how circles work. You can limit circle creation to certain user roles, decide whether people can add only friends or any user to a circle, and set privacy options for visibility and access. Circles can appear as a top-level profile tab or sit under the friends component. New users can receive default circles automatically at registration, and notification emails can be customized. The plugin works with BuddyPress activity filters and member directories, and it is stated to be compatible with BuddyBoss and BP Nouveau.
Best for
- BuddyPress community sites with active activity streams
- Niche social networks where members follow specific groups
- Professional communities that want colleague and contact lists
Features
Multiple custom circles
Users can create as many circles as they need, such as Family, Close Friends or Colleagues, to sort their connections into personal groupings.
Activity filtering by circle
Members can filter the activity stream by a chosen circle, so they see updates from one specific group of people instead of the whole site.
Circle notifications
Customizable notifications tell users when they are added to or removed from a circle, keeping them informed about changes to their connections.
Role-based creation limits
Admins can restrict circle creation to selected user roles, giving you control over who is allowed to form circles on the site.
Flexible tab placement
Choose whether circles show up as a top-level tab on the profile or appear under the friends component, depending on how your site is laid out.
Privacy and access settings
Admins and users can define circle visibility and access, so circle lists are only seen by the people who should see them.
Friends-only or open circles
A restriction setting decides whether users can add only their friends to circles or any user on the site.
Default circles at registration
New users get default circles created automatically when they register, so they have a starting structure ready from their first visit.
BuddyPress User Circles older versions
- 1.3.2Sep 3, 20243 improvements
- 1.3.1Feb 21, 20241 improvement
- 1.3.0Dec 17, 20231 improvement
- 1.2.4Oct 6, 2023
- 1.2.3Apr 18, 2023
Members and buyers of this product can download older versions.
Questions about BuddyPress User Circles
Does this plugin need BuddyPress to work?
Yes. It is an add-on for BuddyPress and builds on its friends, activity stream and member directory features. Circles plug into those existing areas, so a working BuddyPress install is required.
Can I control who is allowed to create circles?
Yes. Admins can limit circle creation by user role. You can also decide whether users may add only their friends to circles or any user on the site, and set privacy options for who can see circles.
Will BuddyPress User Circles work with my BuddyBoss or BP Nouveau setup?
The plugin is described as compatible with BuddyBoss and BP Nouveau. You can also choose to place circles as a top-level tab or under the friends component, which helps them fit into your existing profile navigation.
Is BuddyPress User Circles free?
The code of BuddyPress User Circles is licensed under the GPL, so anyone may use, change and share it. GPL Feast is a paid service: a plan or a single purchase gives you the download and automatic updates. The developer's own support, licence key and online services are not included.
Which version of BuddyPress User Circles is this?
Version 1.3.3, released Jul 18, 2025. New versions appear here when the developer publishes them, and members get them as automatic updates.
How do I update BuddyPress User Circles?
Install the free GPL Feast Updater on your site and connect it with your API key. It installs new versions of BuddyPress User Circles automatically and keeps a backup, so you can roll back.
What does BuddyPress User Circles need?
BuddyPress User Circles needs BuddyPress installed and active.
More from BuddyDev
