How to Make a Poll on Facebook (Step by Step)

How to Make a Poll on Facebook: A Comprehensive Guide

Wondering how to make a poll on Facebook? Whether you’re looking to gather opinions in a group, engage your audience in a story, or make event planning easier, Facebook offers several native options. However, there are limitations to what you can do with these tools. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps for each method and discuss when a standalone poll creator like OXPoll might be a better choice.

Creating a Poll in a Facebook Group

Facebook Groups are a great place to create polls because they allow for community interaction and feedback. Here’s how to do it:

1. Navigate to your Facebook Group.
2. Click on the “Write something…” box at the top of the group page.
3. Select the “Poll” option (it looks like a bar graph).
4. Enter your question in the “Ask something…” field.
5. Add your options in the “Option 1” and “Option 2” fields. You can add more options by clicking “Add Option”.
6. Choose whether you want to allow people to add options or not.
7. Click “Post” to publish your poll.

Keep in mind that anyone who can see the group can vote, and votes are not anonymous.

Making a Poll in a Facebook Story

Facebook Stories offer a more dynamic way to engage with your audience. Here’s how to create a poll in a story:

1. Tap the “Your Story” circle at the top of your News Feed.
2. Take a photo or video, or choose one from your camera roll.
3. Tap the “Sticker” icon (it looks like a smiley face with a plus).
4. Select the “Poll” sticker.
5. Enter your question and customize the options.
6. Tap “Done” and then “Share to Your Story”.

Polls in stories are visible to anyone who can see your story, and votes are not anonymous.

Creating a Poll in a Facebook Event

Polls in Facebook Events can help with planning and decision-making. Here’s how to create one:

1. Go to the Facebook Event page.
2. Click on the “Discussion” tab.
3. Click on the “Write post” box.
4. Select the “Poll” option.
5. Enter your question and options.
6. Click “Post” to publish your poll.

Only event hosts and co-hosts can create polls, and votes are not anonymous.

Using Messenger Group Chat for Polls

Messenger group chats allow for quick polling. Here’s how to create a poll:

1. Open the Messenger app and go to the group chat.
2. Tap the “+” icon next to the message box.
3. Select “Polls”.
4. Enter your question and options.
5. Tap “Create Poll” to send it to the group.

Anyone in the group can vote, and votes are not anonymous.

When to Use a Standalone Poll Creator

While Facebook’s native poll options are convenient, they have limitations. If you need more flexibility, such as the ability to embed a poll on your website, allow anonymous voting, or create a poll that can be shared via a link anywhere, a standalone poll creator like OXPoll is a better choice. OXPoll is a free poll maker with no sign-up required, offering more features and anonymity.

Turn Your Ideas into a Real Poll with OXPoll

Ready to create a poll with more features and flexibility? Use the OXPoll poll maker to create a free, anonymous poll without the need for a Facebook account.

Troubleshooting (no poll option?)

If you can’t find the poll option on Facebook, don’t panic! Here are some common issues and their solutions:

• Update your app: Make sure your Facebook app is up to date. Outdated versions might not have all the latest features, including polls.
• Check your device: Sometimes, the issue might be with your device. Try accessing Facebook from a different device or browser to see if the poll option appears.
• Privacy settings: Ensure that your privacy settings aren’t too restrictive. Some settings might prevent certain features, like polls, from appearing.
• Account restrictions: If your account has restrictions due to policy violations, you might lose access to certain features. Check your account status in your settings.
• Wait and try later: Facebook occasionally rolls out features in phases. If you still can’t see the poll option, wait a few days and try again.

Facebook poll vs a standalone poll

When deciding between creating a poll on Facebook and using a standalone poll service, consider the following factors:

Anonymity

• Facebook: Polls on Facebook are linked to your profile, which means your identity is visible to anyone who can see the poll. This can affect the honesty of responses, especially for sensitive topics.
• Standalone poll: Services like OXPoll allow for anonymous voting, which can lead to more honest and unbiased responses.

Reach

• Facebook: Leveraging your existing Facebook network can help you reach a large audience quickly. However, your poll is limited to people who have access to your Facebook profile or page.
• Standalone poll: With a standalone poll, you can share the link across multiple platforms (email, other social media, etc.), potentially reaching a wider and more diverse audience.

Permanence

• Facebook: Facebook polls are part of your timeline and can get buried under new posts over time. This might affect the long-term visibility and engagement of your poll.
• Standalone poll: Standalone polls often come with features like email reminders and embeds, ensuring your poll remains visible and accessible for a longer period.

Frequently asked questions

Can I create a poll in a Facebook Group?

Yes, you can create a poll in any Facebook Group by using the “Poll” option in the “Write something…” box.

Are Facebook Poll votes anonymous?

No, votes in Facebook Polls are not anonymous. Anyone who can see the poll can see the results.

Can I create a poll in a Facebook Story?

Yes, you can create a poll in a Facebook Story by using the “Poll” sticker.

Can I create a poll in a Facebook Event?

Yes, you can create a poll in a Facebook Event by using the “Poll” option in the “Discussion” tab.

Can I create a poll in a Messenger group chat?

Yes, you can create a poll in a Messenger group chat by using the “+” icon and selecting “Polls”.