In a significant update to enhance user interaction and decision-making within its platform, Discord has introduced a native polling function across its group chat and video calling services. This eagerly anticipated feature, which started rolling out to users on April 9, marks a departure from the previous reliance on bots and emoji reactions for conducting polls within chat groups.
A Closer Look at Discord’s New Polling Function
The addition of a native polling feature streamlines the process of gathering opinions and making group decisions on Discord. Here’s what you need to know about this update:
- Real-Time Results: Poll creators and participants can view the evolving results of a survey in real time, adding a dynamic element to group decision-making.
- Cross-Platform Availability: Whether on desktop or mobile, all users with message sending permissions in a chat can initiate polls. This inclusivity ensures widespread adoption and utility across Discord’s user base.
- Versatile Application: Polls can be created in various channels, including text channels, direct messages, group messages, and announcement channels, provided users have the requisite viewing permissions.
- Non-Anonymous Voting: While the current iteration does not support anonymous voting, users have the flexibility to change their votes until the poll closes. This transparency may foster more considered and committed voting choices.
- Customizable Duration and Options: Poll creators can set the duration of a poll from one hour to one week, with a maximum of 10 response options. This flexibility allows for both quick consensus and extended deliberation.
- Content Moderation: To maintain community standards, the AutoMod bot will review the text of both questions and responses, ensuring that polls adhere to Discord’s content guidelines.
This update is expected to greatly reduce the reliance on emojis and bots for conducting polls, streamlining user interaction and enhancing the overall Discord experience.
Community Reaction and Further Suggestions
The introduction of polling has been met with enthusiasm from Discord’s community, especially for its potential to simplify decision-making processes within groups. However, some users suggest the creation of special permissions to prevent spam and advocate for the option of limitless poll durations.
Creating a Poll in Discord
Creating a poll is straightforward:
- In the desktop app, click on the ‘+’ button next to the channel text field and select ‘create new survey.’
- Enter the necessary information and publish the poll to the channel.
The process is similar on mobile devices, with Discord recommending the use of application version 221 or newer for optimal functionality.
Discord’s Ongoing Commitment to User Engagement
This update underscores Discord’s commitment to enhancing user engagement and functionality within its platform. The polling feature not only facilitates easier decision-making among users but also reflects Discord’s responsiveness to community feedback and its ongoing efforts to improve the user experience. With detailed instructions available on Discord’s official FAQ page, the new feature is poised to become an integral part of the platform’s interactive capabilities.