WhatsApp is developing a feature that will allow poll creators to decide whether other group members can add new answer options. This feature will give creators more control over how the poll unfolds after it’s posted. Currently, only the poll creator can edit the answer options.
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What is it?
WhatsApp recently announced three important improvements for polls in group chats. Creators can finally set an end time so the poll automatically closes when it’s up, while hiding voters’ names. This means participants can feel more comfortable sharing their opinions honestly. It’s also now possible to edit a poll question within 15 minutes of sending it, which is useful, for example, for correcting typos before too many people have voted. These changes help people get more out of polls without running into the limitations they faced in the past.
What this means
WhatsApp continues to improve its polls by introducing new tools. In particular, WhatsApp is developing a feature that will give poll creators more control over how polls work. As part of this update, WhatsApp is working on a feature that allows other group members to add their own answer options, thereby influencing the final result.
How it works
On the poll creation screen, the creator will see a toggle that determines whether other participants can add new answer options. If the creator enables this feature, group members will be able to suggest their own options after the poll is published. If the creator leaves this feature turned off, the poll will work the same way it does now. This means that other members won’t be able to add new answer options to the poll. However, the decision on whether others have anything to add always rests with the poll creator.
Why is this needed?
A poll created by one person reflects that person’s preferences. However, the initial list may lack the best possible answer options. When group members can add their own options, the poll reflects more than just the creator’s point of view. This is especially useful in large groups, where other members can suggest answers that suit everyone. Since everyone can contribute their perspective, the final result reflects the wishes of all group members.
He who pays the piper calls the tune
Allowing participants to freely add options isn’t an advantage for every poll. In some cases, the creator wants to offer specific options to get a clear result. Answers from other participants could blur the poll’s purpose or lead to responses the creator didn’t expect.
To avoid this, WhatsApp will keep this feature disabled by default. Instead, the poll creator will decide whether to allow new options to be added. The creator can enable this feature at any time to let group members contribute, or keep it disabled if the answer options are already known.
If you’re going to plan an event, plan it right!
When a group is planning an event together, the creator may not know which options will suit whom. With this feature, the creator can open a poll and give the group the opportunity to collaborate on it before voting begins. Everyone works together to shape the poll, ensuring the results more accurately reflect the group’s actual preferences, allowing users to seek input from others.
When it will be available
The feature that allows other users to add answer options to a poll is currently in development for Android. This means that WhatsApp hasn’t included it in beta testing for the current version, and it will become available to a limited number of users in a future update. At this time, WhatsApp hasn’t announced when the new feature will be rolled out to everyone else.
Conclusion
This WhatsApp update shows that the developers are taking into account the interests of group members, who will now transition from being mere voters to full-fledged poll creators and will be able to influence the results of the vote.
At GREEN-API, we keep track of the latest news and will keep you informed about all significant updates. We’re also constantly working on integrating new features into our service to make your work more convenient. Follow our blog to stay up to date on new and useful features in WhatsApp!