The latest development build of WhatsApp for iOS (Beta 25.20.10.73) includes a new feature letting admins of Channels ask open-ended questions to their communities. The feature is not available for most beta users yet but has been uncovered by WABetaInfo as the code for the feature is in the latest beta and Meta is actively working on it.
When the feature rolls out more widely, it will be accessible via the chat attachment menu, similar to how you can create polls. The open-ended questions build upon the multiple choice polls feature, this opens up more possibilities for content creators and brands who want more detailed responses from their communities.
The new Questions feature will allow admins to write and share a question which followers can respond to directly. Admins will be able to view all the submitted responses to the question and if they delete a question they’ll also clear all the associated replies, so this is something to be careful of when a question expires; don’t delete it otherwise you’ll lose the replies.
The ability to ask communities questions will be quite powerful for channels because typically they are one-way broadcasts from owners to followers. When followers respond to these questions, other followers will not be able to see the responses.
In recent years, Meta has been pushing the privacy credentials of WhatsApp. While many users find it hard to believe considering Meta is an advertising giant, it does actually take measures to keep chats encrypted. In line with this, the new Questions feature will ensure follower privacy by only allowing admins to read responses. Other followers won’t be able to see or respond to question answers, letting users say what they really think and eliminating the possibility of arguments.
If you are a Channel admin on WhatsApp, let us know in the comments how you plan to use this feature when it launches.