WhatsApp is getting a new quiz feature for Channels. This update may seem small, but it will change how people use this part of the app.
First, let’s clarify the difference between “Quiz” and “Poll.” Although they sound similar, they serve different purposes.
- A Poll is for gathering opinions. For example, “Do you like Red or Blue?” There is no right or wrong answer. It collects data passively.
- A Quiz is for testing knowledge. For example, “What is the capital of Nigeria?” This has a correct answer and a wrong answer.
This new feature will boost engagement, and it’s a smart move by Meta. I’ve checked the beta reports from WABetaInfo, and the features are impressive. When an admin, such as a news channel or influencer, creates a quiz, they set the question, add answer options, and choose one correct answer. When you, the user, tap an option:
- Instant Feedback: If you choose correctly, you see confetti on your screen. If you choose wrong, your phone vibrates, and the system shows the correct answer in green to help you learn right away.
- Privacy: Like polls, your answers remain anonymous to other followers. The admin can view overall results (like “80% got it right”), but they do not reveal individual responses.
Why is Meta building this?
Meta wants to tackle the “Passive Scrolling Problem.” We all open WhatsApp, check our chats, and might look at the Updates tab. We scroll, read a headline, and then close the app. This is passive consumption. A quiz changes this by creating a “micro-interaction.”
- The “I Know This” Dopamine Hit: People want to show they are smart. When you see a question like “Which African giant just partnered with Google?” and you know the answer, your instinct is to tap it.
- The Stickiness: When you tap the answer and see confetti, it feels good. You become emotionally attached to that Channel. This makes you more likely to stop scrolling and wait for the next quiz.
Catching Up to Telegram
Let’s be honest! WhatsApp often takes ideas from Telegram. Telegram has had “Quiz Mode” for years, which has been a key feature in their educational and community channels.
By adding this to WhatsApp (which has over 2 billion users compared to Telegram’s 900 million), Meta aims to keep creators from leaving. They want Channels to be engaging enough that users don’t need to go to X (Twitter) or Telegram for a lively community experience.
Use Cases: Who Wins Here?
This is exciting news for creators and brands. If you manage a channel, this feature is a powerful tool.
- The Educators: Think of an “English Word of the Day” channel. Instead of just posting the word, they can post a quiz: “What is the synonym of ‘Ephemeral’?” Users learn by participating.
- The News Outlets: Instead of just sharing a link to an article about new Tax Laws, they can ask in a quiz: “True or False: Your NIN is now automatically your Tax ID?” It helps verify if people are actually reading the news.
- Brands: Look for contests like “Guess the price of our new phone to win a discount code.” This turns an advertisement into a fun game.
The Takeaway
This feature is currently rolling out to beta testers on Android and iOS. It may seem simple, but it changes the experience from watching TV (passive) to playing a video game (active). For WhatsApp, which wants to be the “everything app,” getting 2 billion users to engage actively is a significant win.
