How to Make a Poll in Slack: A Step-by-Step Guide
Slack is more than just a messaging app. It’s a hub where teams connect, collaborate, and yes — even vote on the best lunch option. If you’ve ever wanted to get a quick consensus from your team, a poll is the way to go. Creating one is easier than you might think, and we’re going to show you how!
TL;DR:
Making a poll in Slack is super easy! You can use built-in integrations, emojis, or third-party apps. The easiest method is using the Polly app or Slack’s own simple poll command if enabled. Follow our simple steps below to get your team voting in no time.
Why Use Polls in Slack?
Polls are great for:
- Quick decisions on meetings, food, or project ideas.
- Engaging your team in a fun and interactive way.
- Avoiding endless threads of “I’m fine with anything!” replies.
Now, let’s get right into how you can create a poll in Slack!
Method 1: Use Emoji Reactions (The Super Simple Way)
This is the fastest method. No tools, no integrations. Just messages and emojis.
- Type your question into a Slack message.
- Hit enter to send it.
- Add emoji reactions as poll options. For example, 🍕 for pizza, 🌮 for tacos.
- Ask your team to vote by clicking on the emoji they prefer.
Example: “What should we order for lunch? 🍕 or 🌮”
This method works well for fun or casual polls. But it lacks anonymity and a result summary.
Method 2: Use Slack’s Built-In /poll Command
Slack sometimes lets you use a slash command like this:
/poll "Your question?" "Option 1" "Option 2" "Option 3"
Warning: This only works if your Slack workspace has the poll feature enabled or has an app like Simple Poll installed.
If it works, a nice-looking poll will appear instantly after you hit enter!
If it doesn’t work, you’ll either see an error or nothing at all. In that case…
Method 3: Use the Polly App (Most Popular Option)
Polly is a popular poll app made just for Slack. It’s super easy to use and offers tons of features. Let’s go step-by-step.
Step 1: Install Polly
- Go to the Slack App Directory: https://slack.com/apps
- Search for Polly.
- Click Add to Slack.
- Follow the prompts to connect Polly with your workspace.
Step 2: Create a Poll in Slack Using Polly
- In any Slack channel or DM, type
/polly. - Polly will open a simple poll builder.
- Enter your question like “Best day for team meeting?”
- Add as many options as you want — Monday, Tuesday, etc.
- Choose if you want the votes to be anonymous or visible.
- Hit Send — your poll appears instantly!
You can also use the Polly dashboard to manage and track your poll results.
Other Cool Polly Features
- Recurring polls: Handy for weekly check-ins.
- Templates: Create polls faster with pre-set formats.
- Reminders: Nudge your teammates to vote.
- Anonymous feedback: Great for honest opinions.
Method 4: Use the Simple Poll App
This is another great Slack app, and yes — it’s simple!
Step 1: Add Simple Poll
- Head to the Slack App Directory.
- Search for Simple Poll.
- Click Add to Slack and follow the setup steps.
Step 2: Use the Simple Poll Command
/poll “Which snack do you prefer?” “Chips” “Cookies” “Fruits”
The poll shows up instantly in your Slack channel — sleek and effective.
This app is best for people who want no-fuss, straightforward polls with clickable options.
Tips for Better Polls
- Keep your question clear — avoid confusion.
- Limit the number of answers — too many choices = a messy poll.
- Use emojis to keep things fun!
- Give a deadline — people need a reason to vote sooner.
Can I Make Anonymous Polls in Slack?
Yes! Apps like Polly and Simple Poll support that feature.
It’s especially helpful for more serious decisions, like rating a manager, or team feedback sessions.
Poll Results: Where Do They Go?
Great question!
- If you use the emoji method, total votes show in the emoji count.
- If you use Polly or Simple Poll, the results update live inside Slack.
You can also check detailed analytics by opening the app’s dashboard in a browser.
Best Use Cases for Slack Polls
- Weekly team lunch plans
- Deciding meeting times
- Choosing project tools
- Voting on company swag
- Fun stuff — best meme of the week, team trivia answers, etc.
What If I Want to Make a Poll in a Private Channel?
No problem!
Just make sure the poll app (like Polly or Simple Poll) has permission to access that private channel.
You may need to invite the app manually into the channel using /invite @Polly.
Conclusion: Start Polling Like a Pro
Polls in Slack are simple, fun, and effective.
Whether you’re getting lunch input or making bigger team decisions, polls help you gather feedback fast and fairly.
You can go low-tech with emojis, or go full-featured with apps like Polly and Simple Poll. Either way — no more endless back-and-forths!
Ready to ask your first question? Go try it now — your team will thank you!
