Instagram have unveiled their latest update to stories. Users can now share polls to measure the opinions of their followers as they vote on questions.
What are Instagram stories?
Stories are a feature on Instagram where users can add an image or video to their ‘story’ which their followers can them view. Stories are different from normal Instagram posts as they can only be viewed for 24 hours before they disappear.
Creating a poll
Polls can be added once you have taken a photo or video that you want to share on your story. This is done by selecting the poll sticker from the stickers tab 
.
You can then position the poll and fill in the details of your questions, including the two answers for your followers to choose from.
Seeing the results
To see your own poll results, swipe up to open the viewers list for that part of your story.
In this section of the story you will be able to see how many votes each poll option has received, and you’ll also see who voted and what option they chose.
After you’ve posted your poll, your friends and followers can immediately start voting and see real time results.
Once someone has voted on your poll, they’ll see which choice is in the lead at any given moment. And if they watch your story again later, they’ll see the latest results.
Things to remember
Whilst these polls can be used positively there is potential for them to be misused. There have been reports of people using the polls to ask questions that generate upsetting results (for them or someone else), or people giving questionable answers before realising that they were not anonymous.
Our advice
- Think how you your answer will make someone feel
Remember that they will be able to see what you post. If your opinion will hurt someone’s feelings it’s better to not vote. - Keep it positive.
Remember that when you ask for people opinions they can be both positive and negative. Keep your polls positive and you will generate positive results. - Report inappropriate polls
If you see a story or poll that you think breaks Instagram terms of service you can report it to Instagram. - Speak to someone trust
Speak to a parent or teacher if you are upset or concerned about any polls you see. You can also contact Childline
