> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.instaloops.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Manage post categories for your Instaloops community

> Create, edit, and reorder post categories in Instaloops so members can tag conversations by topic. Set posting permissions and default sort order per category.

Post categories in Instaloops are topical channels that members pick when creating a post. They keep conversations organized and make it easier for people to find what interests them. You can create new categories, change their order, and control who can post in each one.

<Note>
  Only community owners and admins with **Manage settings** permission can access this tab.
</Note>

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintlify.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/supacoder/images/community-settings/categories.png" alt="Categories tab in Instaloops community settings" />
</Frame>

## Create a category

<Steps>
  <Step>
    Open your community settings and select the **Categories** tab.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Click **Add category**.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Enter a **Name** (up to 30 characters).
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Choose **Who can post**: **All members** or **Admins only**.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Add an optional **Description** that appears under the category name.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Click **Add category** to save.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Edit a category

<Steps>
  <Step>
    Find the category in the list and click the pencil icon.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Update the **Name**, **Who can post**, or **Description**.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Set a **Default sort** for posts in that category: **Default**, **Newest**, **Top this week**, or **Top this month**.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Click **Save**.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Reorder or delete

* Drag the grip handle next to a category to reorder the list. The first category becomes the default for new posts.
* Click the trash icon to remove a category. Posts in a deleted category move to the default category.

<Tip>
  Start with a broad topic that naturally pulls conversation, such as "Introductions" or "General discussion."
</Tip>

## FAQ

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="How many categories can I create?">
    Instaloops does not enforce a hard limit on categories. We recommend keeping the list concise so members can browse easily. Most active communities use between 5 and 15 categories.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can members see admin-only categories?">
    Members can see admin-only categories in the feed, but they cannot create posts inside them. Use this setting for announcements or curated content.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What happens to posts when I delete a category?">
    Posts are moved to the default category automatically. The default category is whichever category is listed first. You can drag categories to change which one is first.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I change the default sort later?">
    Yes. Open the category for editing and pick a new default sort. Existing posts stay in place, but the list order changes for everyone viewing that category.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Troubleshooting

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Save button is greyed out">
    The save button stays disabled until you enter a category name. Make sure the name field is not empty and does not exceed 30 characters.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Category list is not updating after a change">
    Changes should appear immediately. If they do not, refresh the page and reopen the community settings. If the problem persists, check your network connection.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Deleted category still appears in the feed">
    Deletion is permanent, but the feed may cache the old category label briefly. Wait a few minutes and refresh. If posts are still miscategorized, move them manually by editing each post.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Related

* [Community rules](/content-growth/rules)
* [Discovery settings](/content-growth/discovery)