How to Do a Poll on WhatsApp

Boost your sales with TimelinesAI's powerful WhatsApp integration.
Table of Contents
Boost your sales with TimelinesAI powerful WhatsApp integration

What is a WhatsApp Poll?

A WhatsApp Poll is a built-in feature that lets users create and share multiple-choice questions directly within personal or group chats. It allows participants to vote on options in real time, making it easy to gather quick feedback or opinions.


To create a poll, users simply tap the attachment icon (paperclip), select “Poll,” enter their question, add options, and send it. Votes are visible to everyone in the chat, and responses update live as people vote.

Why it’s useful:

  • Real-time feedback: See group preferences instantly without the need for long message threads.
  • Personal use: Plan events, decide on meeting times, or pick a movie with friends and family.
  • Business use: Get team input on decisions, run informal surveys, or collect quick customer feedback.
  • WhatsApp Polls are a simple, effective way to streamline group decisions and improve communication.

How to Do a Poll on WhatsApp

WhatsApp polls offer a simple and efficient way to gather opinions and make decisions within a group. In this section, we will explore the various methods for creating and sending a WhatsApp poll, making it easy for you to get started.  Apart from polls, you can also make your profile more engaging by using WhatsApp about lines stylish.

Steps:

  1. Open a WhatsApp chat or group
  2. Tap the attachment icon (📎 on Android / ➕ on iPhone).
  3. Select Poll.
  4. Type your question.
  5. Add multiple answer options.
  6. Tap Send to share the poll.

How to Make a Poll on WhatsApp – Detailed Instructions

Create a WhatsApp Poll in an Existing Group

One way to set up a WhatsApp poll is by creating it within an existing group. This method allows you to easily gather opinions from group members on various topics. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Open WhatsApp and select the group you want to create the poll in.
  2. Tap on the group name at the top to open the group info page.
  3. Scroll down and find the poll option.
  4. Tap on “New Poll” and add your question along with the available options for the group members to choose from.
  5. Save the poll, and it will be sent to the group.

Create a WhatsApp Poll in a New Group

Another option is to create a new group specifically for the poll. This method is useful when you want to gather opinions from a specific set of people or when the topic of the poll is not suitable for an existing group. Here’s how to create a poll in a new group:

  1. Open WhatsApp and tap on the new chat icon (usually represented by a speech bubble or a pen) in the top right corner.
  2. Tap on the three-dot menu in the top right corner and select “New Group.”
  3. Add the participants you want to include in the group.
  4. Tap on the group name at the top to open the group info page.
  5. Scroll down and find the poll option.
  6. Tap on “New Poll” and add your question along with the available options for the group members to choose from.
  7. Save the poll, and it will be sent to the group.

Send a WhatsApp Poll as a Private Message

Apart from creating polls in groups, you can also send polls as private messages to individual contacts. This method is useful when you want to gather opinions from a single person or when the topic of the poll is sensitive or personal. Here’s how to create a poll and send it as a private message:

  1. Open WhatsApp and go to the chat window of the contact you want to send the poll to.
  2. Tap on the paper clip icon (usually represented by a paper clip or a staple) in the top right corner.
  3. Scroll down and find the poll option.
  4. Tap on “New Poll” and add your question along with the available options for the contact to choose from.
  5. Save the poll, and it will be sent to the contact as a private message.

How to Create WhatsApp Polls on Different Devices

Creating a poll on WhatsApp is quick and easy, whether you’re using an Android or iPhone. Both platforms offer the same functionality with slight differences in layout and icons.

How to create poll on WhatsApp for Android

  • Open a chat or group where you want to create the poll.
  • Tap the paperclip icon (📎) at the bottom next to the message box.
  • Select Poll from the menu.
  • Enter your question and add multiple answer options.
  • Tap Send to post the poll in the chat.
How to Do a Poll on WhatsApp
How to Do a Poll on WhatsApp

How to create a poll on WhatsApp for iPhone

  • Open a WhatsApp chat or group.
  • Tap the plus icon (➕) located in the bottom-left corner of the screen.
  • Select Poll from the menu that appears.
  • Enter your question and add your answer options.
  • Tap Send to post the poll in the chat.

How to Vote in a WhatsApp Poll

Voting in a WhatsApp poll is quick and easy:

  • Tap on the poll in the chat.
  • Select your preferred option (or multiple options if allowed).
  • Your vote is recorded instantly, and results update in real time.
How to Vote in a WhatsApp Poll

Tips for Creating Effective WhatsApp Polls

Make the most of WhatsApp polls with these simple tips to boost engagement and gather better insights:

  • Keep it simple: Ask one clear, focused question to avoid confusion and ensure accurate responses.
  • Limit answer options: Stick to 3 to 5 options—enough to give choice without overwhelming participants.
  • Limit answer options: Stick to 3 to 5 options—enough to give choice without overwhelming participants.
  • Encourage participation: Tag group members or send a friendly reminder to get more responses.
  • Use relevant timing: Send polls when the group is most active, like during work hours or peak chat times.
  • Follow up: Let people know what you’ll do with the results—it shows their input matters.

Learn how to save photos from WhatsApp on any device today!

Best Practices for WhatsApp Poll Etiquette

To keep polls respectful and well-received, follow these simple etiquette guidelines:

  • Avoid sensitive topics unless you’re sure it’s appropriate for the group.
  • Don’t spam the chat with too many polls—keep it relevant and occasional.
  • Respect all opinions, even if they differ from your own.
    • Don’t manipulate results or pressure others to vote a certain way.
  • Give space to opt out—participation should always be voluntary.

Case Studies: Triumphs through WhatsApp Polls

 A Retail Giant’s Tale of Success

A prominent retail brand leveraged WhatsApp polls to gather valuable insights from its customers. By asking questions about their preferences, the brand was able to make data-driven decisions and improve their product offerings.

 A Tech Startup’s Smart Use of WhatsApp Polls

A tech startup used WhatsApp polls to gather real-time feedback from its users. This helped them identify potential issues and make necessary improvements, ultimately leading to a better user experience.

Milestones of a Food Service through WhatsApp Polls

A food delivery service used WhatsApp polls to gauge customer satisfaction and preferences. By asking questions about their menu, delivery times, and overall experience, the service was able to make necessary adjustments and improve its overall performance.

FAQs About WhatsApp Polls

How do you do a poll on WhatsApp?

  • Open a chat, tap the attachment icon (📎 or ➕), select Poll, add your question and options, then tap Send.

Can you do a poll on WhatsApp?

  • Yes, WhatsApp has a built-in poll feature available on both Android and iPhone.

Can I edit a poll after sending it?

  • No, once a poll is sent, it cannot be edited. You’ll need to delete and resend if changes are needed.

Can users vote anonymously on WhatsApp poll?

  • No, poll votes are visible to everyone in the chat, including who voted and what they chose.

Does WhatsApp Polls allow multiple votes?

  • Yes, when creating the poll, you can choose to allow multiple answers.

Can I see who voted for what on polls?

  • Yes, tap on the poll to see who voted and which option(s) they selected.

 Is the poll feature available on WhatsApp Web?

  • Yes, you can create and vote in polls on WhatsApp Web and Desktop versions.
    • Want to vote from your laptop? Learn how WhatsApp Web and QR codes make it easy

Ever wondered what those check marks mean on WhatsApp? Find out here before sending your next poll!

Conclusion

WhatsApp polls are a smart way to gather quick feedback, improve group decision-making, and boost team engagement—all within the chats you’re already using. Whether for fun or work, try creating a poll today and make your conversations more interactive and efficient!

Accidentally deleted a chat with poll results? Here’s how to get it back.

Turn WhatsApp into Your Growth Channel

Connect WhatsApp with your favorite CRMs, project tools, and software to streamline every workflow.

Whatsapp business illustration
author avatar
Daniel Lev Senior Project Manager
Daniel Lev specializes in project coordination, workflow optimization, and team productivity in SaaS and software services.

Discover more. 

WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram’s share of social media messaging is unrivaled. Harness it with one of the fastest growing WhatsApp Business Solution Providers.

NewTimelinesAI Partner API

Launch a White-Label WhatsApp Solution Under Your Brand

X