When a WhatsApp poll is enough – and when it isn’t
For a quick question in the group, a poll in the chat is enough. Once lists, several dates, or people outside the group come into play, a link helps.
- No accountFor you and for everyone who answers.
- No adsNo banners, no third-party trackers, no stored IP addresses.
- Hosted in GermanySelf-hosted in Germany. 30 days after it expires, the poll is deleted along with all its answers.
Several dates, one result
Everyone answers with Yes, No or “If need be”. Polls keeps count and puts the best date at the top.
- Times per day or all-day dates
- Time zones: anyone elsewhere also sees their own local time
- Everyone sees the result right away, even while the poll is running
Example “When’s the barbecue?”: best fit is Saturday, November 28, 2:00 PM – 5 of 6 say yes.
Polls and WhatsApp compared
Only verifiable features, each with a source from WhatsApp’s help.
| Feature | Polls | |
|---|---|---|
| Answer options per poll Source: How to use polls(opens in a new tab) | Up to 100 | Up to 12 |
| Change the question or title later Source: How to use polls(opens in a new tab) | Any time | Only for 15 minutes |
| RSVP to a fixed date: Going, Maybe, Not going Source: How to respond to events(opens in a new tab) | Yes | Yes – as an event in the chat |
| RSVPs from people outside the chat Source: How to create and edit events in groups(opens in a new tab) | Yes | No |
| Reminder when the date begins Source: How to create and edit events in groups(opens in a new tab) | No | Yes |
Where a poll in the chat fits better
Not every question needs a link. In these cases it’s best to stay in the chat.
- The quick yes-or-no question in the middle of a conversation – it takes seconds to ask
- A fixed date everyone sees and answers in the chat – WhatsApp has events for that
- A reminder when the date begins – Polls doesn’t send reminders
Frequently asked questions
More questions are answered in the Help.
When can a link do more than a poll in the chat?
As soon as there is more than a quick question: a sign-up list where everyone sees what is still missing, a volunteer list with spots per task, appointment slots where each person books exactly one free slot – and people outside the group who join through the same link, whatever messenger they use.
Can I send the link to my WhatsApp group?
Yes. Copy the link and paste it into your WhatsApp, Signal, or Threema group – or into any other messenger or an email. Whoever opens it joins in the browser, with no account and no app.
Does Polls replace the poll in the chat?
No, it complements it. For a quick question, a poll in the chat is still the shortest route. Polls pays off as soon as a list, several dates, places, or people outside the group come in.
Do participants need an account?
No. They open the link, answer and add their name. On the same device they can change their answers later.
What does Polls cost?
Nothing. Polls is free and shows no ads – for you and for everyone taking part.
What happens to our data?
Polls only stores what the poll needs: its content, names and answers. IP addresses never end up in the database, there are no trackers from other companies, and everything sits on a server in Germany. When the poll is deleted, all its data goes with it.
Try it with the next question in your group
The poll is ready in two minutes – just send the link to your WhatsApp group.