How to add a live poll to PowerPoint
The quickest way is a free PowerPoint add-in: you insert it on a slide, pick a poll, and the slide shows live results, a join link and a QR code. Your audience votes from their phones with no app.
What you need
- PowerPoint for Windows (Microsoft 365 or 2016 and later), PowerPoint for Mac, or PowerPoint on the web
- A free Pingroom account
- About five minutes
Step 1: Create your poll
Sign up at pingroom.app and click New poll. Pick a type (multiple choice, word cloud, quiz, Q&A, rating scale, open-ended or attendance check-in) and write your question. Short of ideas? Start from a template like Meeting icebreakers or Exit ticket.
Step 2: Add the add-in to PowerPoint
Follow the install steps on the PowerPoint add-in page. On PowerPoint on the web it takes four clicks: Home → Add-ins → More Settings → Upload My Add-in, then choose the add-in file.
Step 3: Insert the poll on a slide
Add a blank slide, open the Pingroom add-in, log in once, and click the poll you want. The slide now shows the question, your join link and a QR code. Use one slide per question.
Step 4: Present
Start the slideshow as normal. When you reach the poll slide, voting opens automatically, so you don't have to leave PowerPoint. Results move on the slide as people answer. Hover the slide to lock voting, reveal a quiz answer, or show a full-screen QR code.
Tips for better engagement
- Put a quick poll in the first two minutes. Once phones are out and pointed at your slide, people stay engaged.
- Use a word cloud for opinions and multiple choice for decisions.
- Read one or two results out loud and react to them. That is what makes it feel live.
- End with a feedback scale, like the Workshop feedback template.
Using Google Slides, Keynote or Canva?
Present Pingroom in a browser tab next to your slides and switch to it when you reach a question, or put your join link and QR code on a slide. Make the QR code with our free QR code generator.
Try it in your next session
Free for up to 50 people per poll. No card needed.
Questions
Is there a free poll add-in for PowerPoint?
Yes. The Pingroom add-in is free on every plan, including the free plan with up to 50 responders per poll.
Does my audience need PowerPoint or an app?
No. They answer in any phone browser by scanning the QR code or opening the short link.
Can someone else present my deck with the poll?
Yes. The poll is saved inside the .pptx file, so a co-presenter can run it from their own computer without your login.