WhatsApp is testing a feature to add new options to polls
WhatsApp is working on a feature that lets the poll creator decide whether other group members can add new options. The feature will give poll creators more control over how the poll evolves after they share it. At the moment, the options in a poll are fixed once the creator sends it.
| Key Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Feature: | New options for polls |
| Status: | Under development |
| Availability info: | This feature is currently in development and not yet available for beta testing. |
| Previous news: | WhatsApp is rolling out media previews in the chat list! |
WhatsApp introduces new features for polls in group chats
Two weeks ago, WhatsApp announced three important improvements to polls in group chats. Poll creators can finally set an end time to lock voting automatically when the deadline arrives. The poll creator can decide to hide the voter names. This means that participants can feel more comfortable sharing their honest preference. It is also possible to edit the poll question within 15 minutes of sending, which is useful to fix a typo before too many people vote. These changes help users get more out of polls without working around their limitations.
WhatsApp is now developing a new option for poll creators
WhatsApp keeps refining the experience with polls by introducing new tools. In particular, WhatsApp is developing a feature that would give poll creators even more control over how their polls work. We discovered the news with the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.26.33.1 update, which is available on the Google Play Store. With this update, WhatsApp is working on the ability for poll creators to decide whether other group members can add new options to their polls.
How the new poll option will work
In the poll creation screen, the creator would see a toggle that controls whether other members can add new options. If the creator turns it on, group members can contribute their own choices to the poll after it is shared. If the creator leaves it off, the poll works exactly as it does today. This means that other members won't be able to add new options to the poll. Note that it is always up to the poll creator to decide whether others have something to add or not.
Why more options make a poll more representative of the group
A poll created by one person reflects their preferences. However, the best options might not be available in the original list. When group members can add their own options, the poll reflects more than just the creator's perspective. This is especially useful in larger groups, where others may choose better options. Since everyone can add their own options, the final result will reflect what all group members want.
Why the poll creator keeps control over this setting
Not every poll benefits from having open contributions. In some cases, the creator wants to present specific options to get a clear result. Contributions from others could pull the poll in too many directions or bring in answers the creator never intended. To avoid this, WhatsApp will not make this feature enabled by default. Instead, the poll creator will be the one who decides whether to allow contributions. The creator can turn it on when they want the group to contribute, and leave it off when the options are already clear.
This feature would work well for planning events in groups
When a group is planning an event together, the creator may not know which options could work for everyone. With this feature, the creator can open the poll and let the group collaborate before voting begins. Everyone builds the poll together, making its results more accurate to the real preferences of the group. As a result, users will be able to ask others for help to create the poll.
WhatsApp is developing this feature for a future Android update
The feature that lets others add options to a poll is currently under development on Android. This means that WhatsApp has not enabled it for beta testers with this update. We expect the feature to become available to beta testers in a future update. At the moment, WhatsApp has not shared when this feature will be available to the public.
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