How to Create a Poll in Slack, With Photos

Polls are a popular way to gauge interest in a variety of topics. It’s a tool we’ve seen incorporated into many collaborative platforms and we’re going to show you how to create a poll in Slack. The process is relatively straightforward once you know where to start, and something anyone can do in less than 5 minutes.

Add Polls in Slack with Emoji Reactions

The simplest way to create a poll in Slack doesn’t require special permissions. While it’s not the sleekest method, it only requires a few clicks and some formatting tricks.

Step 1: Sign in to Slack

Log in to Slack and go to your Workspace.

Step 2: Start a Message

Go to the message section where you want to set up a poll and begin composing your message using your poll question.

Step 3: Choose Emojis

Once you’ve typed your poll question, you need to choose an emoji for each option. Set a matching emoji beneath to make voting easier for your group.

Step 4: Submit

When you’re happy with your poll, send the message and wait for the results to roll in. 

How to Create Polls in Slack with the App Directory

The other way you can add polls to Slack is by using the app directory. From here, you can choose from close to a dozen types of polls, although there are a few fan favorites. These applications can allow you to schedule polls while bringing new features to the table for your team members.

Step 1: Go to the App Directory

When you’re logged in at Slack, go to the Slack App Directory and click on Get Essential Apps.

Step 2: Find a Poll App

Use the search box at the top of the page and type Poll. Now you’re presented with a list of applications that you can filter by relevance, pricing, and language. You can get information on any of the applications from the list by clicking on it.

Step 3: Install the Poll App

Once you’ve settled on an app to run polls in Slack, it’s time to install it by clicking the Add to Slack button from the product page. We chose OpenPoll, but the process remains the same for any free Slack application.  

Step 4: Accept Permissions

Once you’ve clicked to install, you’ll see a number of prompts. One asks for permissions, which you’ll need to allow to complete the installation. Once the app has been installed, you’ll see it in your workspace.

Step 5: Set up a Poll

This is where the process will vary depending on the app you choose. With OpenPoll, things are simple as you can create a poll using a few commands from any channel. To create a quick poll, you would use the command line below with your information entered between the quotations.

/poll “Do you use Windows or Mac OSX?” “Windows” “Mac OSx”

Once entered, the poll will appear in the channel with voting options and a menu where you can make a few adjustments. This poll app, and most others, also allow you to create anonymous polls, hidden polls, or recurring ones, depending on your needs.

Wrap-Up

The steps in our guide will allow anyone to create a poll in Slack quickly. It’s a feature that shouldn’t be overlooked, and one that allows you to get instant feedback from your team, or have a little fun. Just remember, if you plan to use a poll app, you may need permission from the workspace owner or administrator beforehand.