WhatsApp is set to enhance its Channels feature with the introduction of polls, allowing creators to gather perspectives and opinions from their audience. This new feature, currently available to some beta testers through the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.2.11 update, aims to add an interactive element to Channels, making it a valuable tool for influencers, celebrities, and politicians to connect with their followers.
WhatsApp Channels, launched last year, serves as a one-way broadcasting channel for creators to share updates and messages with their audience. The addition of polls aims to further engage followers and create a more dynamic interaction within the platform.
The privacy-focused design of the poll feature ensures that votes remain confidential, providing added security and anonymity to users participating in polls. Even the Channel owner cannot see individual poll participants, reinforcing WhatsApp’s commitment to a private and secure user experience. This approach aims to establish a trusted space for channel followers, free from concerns about their preferences being exposed.
The poll feature will soon be rolled out globally to all WhatsApp users. To create a poll in a Channel, users can follow these simple steps:
- Open a chat.
- Click attach or attach > Poll > Create Poll.
- Under Question, enter your question.
- Under Options, enter your poll options. Drag to reorder them.
- Users can vote for multiple options by default. To limit voting to one option, turn off the Allow multiple answers toggle.
- Click send or send to create the poll.
In addition to the poll feature, WhatsApp has recently rolled out a text formatting tool for Android beta users. This tool allows users to make messages more visually appealing and organized, with options including lists, quote blocks, and code blocks.
