After introducing polls in Communities, WhatsApp is adding them to group chats. The feature has been developing for several years and is now available in WhatsApp group chats.
In a blog post, the messaging app stated that the update will “make it easier to collect everyone’s opinions” in group chats.
Today we’re also releasing three more features we think users will be excited about: the ability to create in-chat polls, 32 person video calling, and groups with up to 1024 users. Just like emoji reactions, larger file sharing, and admin delete, these features can be used in any group but will be particularly helpful for Communities.
WhatsApp Blog
Polls can be made by going to the chat menu and selecting “poll.” Users can then add a question and up to four answer options. When the poll is finished, it will be displayed in the chat for all members to see and vote on.
When the poll closes, the results will be visible to everyone in the chat. According to WhatsApp, users can also choose to share the poll’s results with only the person who started it, or to keep them private.
Unfortunately, unlike on Telegram, anonymous voting is not yet available on WhatsApp. All votes will be open to public scrutiny, so it won’t be like voting for a president.
How to Use WhatsApp Polls
WhatsApp polls are a great way to get feedback from friends and family. Here’s how to use them:
- Open WhatsApp and go to the chat you want to create a poll in.
- Tap on the paperclip icon and select the Poll option.
- Enter your question and add up to four options for people to choose from.
- Tap on the Send button.
- Your poll will appear in the chat and people can start voting by tapping on their preferred option.
- When someone votes, you’ll see a notification in the chat letting you know who voted and for what option.
Since WhatsApp Communities is the source of this enhancement, other Communities-related features and updates will soon become accessible. End-to-end encrypted voice and video chats for up to 32 participants and groups with up to 1024 participants are all part of this update.
WhatsApp is working on self-messaging, like Telegram and Discord. This should make file-sharing and saving easier. This is only in WhatsApp Beta, and it’s unclear when it will be released.
