Creating polls on YouTube is a fantastic way to boost engagement and get valuable feedback from your audience. Let me walk you through exactly how to make one, plus share some insider tips I’ve learned from experience.
How to Create a YouTube Poll
First things first – you’ll need to create your poll in YouTube’s Community tab. Keep in mind that this feature is only available if you have at least 500 subscribers. Once you’ve hit that milestone, here’s what to do:
1. Go to your YouTube channel
2. Click on the Community tab
3. Select the “Create Post” button
4. Click the poll icon (it looks like a bar graph)
5. Enter your question and add up to 5 answer options
6. Hit “Post” when you’re ready
Making Your Poll More Effective
I’ve seen countless polls that barely get any engagement, and others that spark amazing conversations. The difference usually comes down to how you structure your question and timing.
Timing Is Everything
Try posting your poll when most of your audience is online. You can check your YouTube Analytics to find your peak viewing times. I’ve found that polls typically get the most responses within the first 24 hours, so make that time count!
Writing Engaging Questions
Instead of asking “What’s your favorite video type?” try something more specific like “Which of these video ideas should I film next?” People love feeling like they’re directly influencing your content. Some of my most successful polls have been about:
– Upcoming video topics
– Content format preferences
– Technical questions about viewing experience
– Fun hypothetical scenarios related to your niche
Pro Tips for Better Engagement
Here’s something not everyone knows – you can actually promote your poll in your videos too. I always mention my active polls at the end of my videos, which typically doubles or triples the response rate. You can also:
– Share the poll link in your video description
– Pin it as a comment on your recent videos
– Mention it in your other social media channels
Making the Most of Results
Don’t just create a poll and forget about it! Use the results to:
– Plan future content
– Understand your audience better
– Create follow-up discussions
– Show your audience you value their input
Remember, polls aren’t just about collecting data – they’re about building community. When your viewers see that their opinions actually influence your content, they’re more likely to engage with future polls and become more active members of your community.
