WhatsApp Introducing Polls to Channels

WhatsApp is expanding its feature set with the introduction of polls in Channels on Android as part of a recent beta update. In the beta release (version 2.24.2.11), some testers can now create polls within Channels, similar to existing functionality in individual and group chats.

The polls option, accessible through the paperclip icon in WhatsApp Channel chats, allows users to create questions with up to 12 options. Although the polls icon appears in green instead of the usual yellow, the core functionality remains consistent – votes are anonymous.

While not guaranteed for all beta testers, the presence of this feature suggests a potential wider rollout in the future. Android beta users should keep an eye out for the green polls icon to access this feature. The exact timeline for the availability of this feature to all users remains uncertain, as it is still in the early testing phase.

In a separate beta update (version 2.24.2.12), a bug fix restores the display of Status update thumbnails next to contact names for Android users. These developments, coupled with recent beta testing of advanced text formatting and themes on Android, indicate a dynamic period for WhatsApp at the beginning of 2024, signaling a commitment to engaging users and delivering anticipated updates.