WhatsApp beta for Android 2.26.1.14: what's new?

WhatsApp has released a new Android update through the Google Play Beta Program, bringing the version up to 2.26.1.14.
What's new in this update? WhatsApp is rolling out a feature that lets channel admins create quiz-based updates and share them with their followers, and it's available to some beta testers!

WhatsApp Starts Testing Channel Quiz Feature for Android Beta

In the article about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.30.5 update, we announced that a feature to create and share a quiz was under development. With this functionality, users would be able to answer questions directly within a channel update by selecting one of the available options. The system would then immediately indicate whether the chosen answer is correct, providing real-time feedback to participants. Channel admins would be responsible for defining the correct answer during quiz creation, ensuring consistent and structured interactions.

It appears that WhatsApp is now testing this functionality with the public, as some beta testers already have access to the channel quiz feature. Today, certain users have reported seeing a new option within channels that enables admins to create and publish quizzes, introducing a more interactive way to engage audiences. Following the release of the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.26.1.14 update, which is available on the Google Play Store, we discovered that WhatsApp is rolling out a feature that lets channel admins create quiz-based updates and share them with their followers!

As you can see from the attached screenshot, some channel admins can now access a new Quiz option directly from the channel sharing sheet. When opening the channel attachment menu, eligible admins will notice the Quiz entry alongside existing tools such as Polls and Questions. A quiz works in a very similar way to a poll, since admins can add a question and include multiple answer options in the same familiar layout. Each option can also support an image, just like polls, making quizzes visually flexible and suitable for different types of content. The main distinction is that admins must select which option represents the correct answer before sharing the quiz.

Once the quiz is configured, channel admins can publish it instantly to their channel, where it becomes visible to anyone who can view the update. From the follower's perspective, quizzes appear almost identical to polls, using the same interface and interaction pattern. Tapping on an option is treated as submitting an answer rather than expressing a preference. If the selected answer is correct, a short confetti animation powered by Lottie appears on the screen, providing immediate visual feedback that reinforces the sense of achievement and makes the interaction more engaging for participants.

After followers respond to a quiz, channel admins can access a summary that shows how many selections each answer option received, similar to the way poll results are displayed. Admins can also see which of their contacts participated in the quiz, giving them the possibility to reach out individually if needed. For followers who are not in the admin's contacts, participation is still visible, but only the profile picture is shown if the user has set it to be visible to everyone. However, the phone number remains hidden, preventing any direct contact while still allowing admins to gauge overall engagement. This approach balances the ability to monitor participation with the privacy of non-contact users.

This feature is designed primarily as an entertainment tool that helps channels feel more dynamic and interactive. Quizzes offer a simple way to encourage followers to actively participate instead of passively reading updates. Channel admins can use quizzes to test knowledge, introduce light challenges, or spark curiosity around specific topics. Over time, observing how followers respond to different quizzes can also help admins better understand what type of content resonates most with their audience.

Beyond entertainment, quizzes are also designed as a source of insights for channel admins. By analyzing which questions receive more interaction or which topics generate higher accuracy rates, admins can refine the themes and formats of future updates. This approach allows channels to adapt their content strategy based on real user behavior rather than assumptions. With quizzes integrated into channels, WhatsApp is expanding the range of tools available to make communication more engaging and interactive.

The feature that lets channel admins create and share quizzes is available to some beta testers who have installed the latest WhatsApp beta for Android update from the Google Play Store. WhatsApp is currently testing this functionality in smaller waves, giving the development team the opportunity to detect and address any potential issues in real time. After these evaluations are complete, the feature will be rolled out to more users in future updates, allowing channel admins to engage their audiences through interactive quizzes.

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