In short
A poll is a single question that asks users to pick an option or share an opinion, with no right or wrong answer. Results are usually shown to participants after they vote. Polls invite low-effort participation and give product and content teams quick input from their audience.
Why it matters for apps
A poll is the lightest form of participation an app can offer. One tap lets a user have a say, and seeing the result rewards their curiosity.
- Engagement: Polls give silent users an easy first way to interact, which can lead to deeper actions later.
- Insight: Answers show what your audience thinks and wants, without a full survey.
- Common mistake: Hiding the results. Showing how others voted is the main payoff for taking part.
- Design choice: Tie polls to timely moments, such as a match, an episode or a product launch, so the question feels relevant.
Industry examples
A news app asks readers one question on the story of the day and shows live results right after they vote (hypothetical).
A football club app lets fans vote for the player of the match and reveals the winner after the whistle (hypothetical).
Build it with StriveCloud
Polls are native in StriveCloud, both standalone and inside social feed posts, and Man of the Match voting lets fans pick a player. Poll votes are tracked automatically as events, so a stat can count them. A challenge such as "Vote in 10 polls" can then grant a badge or currency.
Want to try this? See gamification for media
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a poll and a quiz?
A quiz has right and wrong answers and is usually scored. A poll asks for an opinion or a choice, so every answer is valid and the result is the share of votes.
Why use polls in a mobile app?
Polls give users a one-tap way to take part and see what others think. They also give teams quick feedback from their audience without a long survey.
Should you reward users for voting in polls?
Small rewards such as XP or a milestone for regular voting can build a habit. Keep them modest, so people still vote honestly rather than only for the reward.