An in-video poll is a lightweight opinion question displayed inside the player at a specified timestamp that asks learners for a preference, prediction, or sentiment rather than testing knowledge of a correct answer. Unlike an in-video quiz, a poll has no right or wrong outcome — every response is valid — so results are shown as aggregated percentages immediately after the learner answers, creating a social proof moment that can increase engagement and spark discussion. Polls are commonly used at the start of a segment to activate prior knowledge ("How do you currently handle X?") or mid-video to maintain attention with a low-stakes check-in. From a tracking perspective, individual poll responses can still be sent as xAPI statements using the "responded" or "answered" verb with a result object, even though the response carries no correctness score; this allows aggregate analysis in an LRS without grading implications. The key distinction from a quiz is instructional intent: polls surface diversity of opinion and prime the learner's thinking, while quizzes measure comprehension and drive retrieval practice. Polls that reveal real-time peer responses function as a low-bandwidth social learning signal in asynchronous video, partially replicating the "show of hands" dynamic of a live virtual classroom. One practical caution: displaying aggregate poll results can anchor learners to the majority view, which may suppress independent thinking in topics where diverse perspectives matter.
The handbook · 7 volumes
Fora Soft Video Engineering Handbook
An in-video poll pauses for an opinion, not a right answer, so it has to feel instant and record each response against the exact timestamp. Our seven-volume handbook covers the whole video stack; for in-player interaction start with Volume 3 on players, trick play, and QoE monitoring, with encoding in Volume 1 and accessible audio in Volume 4. Written by Nikolay Sapunov, CEO at Fora Soft.
Adding in-video polls that report responses to your LMS or LRS?
We will map your poll events to xAPI or LMS reporting and send a short implementation plan with an estimate. 250+ video products shipped since 2005.
