In this article we look at:
- What is a countdown timer and why use it?
- How does a countdown timer work?
- Setting up a countdown timer
- How to run a poll with a countdown timer
- Adding a custom countdown timer sound
- Muting the countdown timer sound
- Troubleshooting: Why is my sound not playing?
1. What is a countdown timer and why use it?
A countdown timer adds excitement to your polls and prompts participants to answer within a set time. It's especially popular in quizzes, where it builds energy and keeps sessions moving at pace.
A countdown timer can also close your poll automatically when it hits zero — no need to manually end it each time.
2. How does a countdown timer work?
- The countdown timer is optional and can be activated manually (from the control bar in Present view) or set to start automatically (from the dashboard).
- Once started, it will be visible in Present View and on participants' devices.
- When the timer hits zero, the poll closes automatically.
- The default timer duration is 10 seconds, but it can be adjusted.
- You can choose from 8 built-in timer sounds or upload your own custom MP3 audio file.
Remember:
- The timer length can be adjusted before or during a poll.
- Timers can be paused or cancelled at any time.
- You can manually close a poll early, even if the timer hasn't reached zero.
- Countdown timers are only available in live polling — not in surveys..
3. Setting up a countdown timer
You can use a countdown timer on the fly during a session, or set it up in advance so it triggers automatically on every poll.
Option 1: Use a countdown timer on the fly (impromptu)
This is the quickest way to add a timer — no setup needed. It's always available from the control bar in Present View whenever you open a poll and is activated on a per poll basis. Open a poll in Present View.
Click Start Timer in the control bar — the default 10-second timer starts immediately.
Adjust the duration before starting if needed, by selecting 30 seconds or 1 minute from the time adjustment options.
For a full walkthrough of running polls with a timer on the fly, see Section 4: Run a poll with a countdown timer (Present View).
Option 2: Set up a countdown timer in advance:
Open your session and click Settings in the navigation menu.
Select the Polls section. Ensure the 'Enable countdown timer music' is toggled ON, if you want sound.
Choose a sound clip from the dropdown, or click Upload to add your own custom MP3.
Use the sound control bar to preview and configure your audio:
- Press the play button to listen to the selected countdown timer sound.
- Use the volume icon to adjust the volume.
- Click the three dots to adjust the playback speed.
- The control bar also shows the total duration of the timer sound.
Enable the Automatic Countdown Timer option and set your preferred duration (default is 10 seconds).
Click Save to apply your settings.
These settings apply to all polls in your session. If you set custom settings on individual polls, those will override the session defaults and apply to individual polls.
4. Run a poll with an impromptu countdown timer (Present View)
Start a 10 second countdown timer
- Open the poll and click Start Timer.
- The default 10-second timer begins counting down.
- The poll closes automatically when the timer reaches zero.
The Joining instructions will be replaced by the countdown timer, but the QR code will always remain visible (unless it is disabled in the settings).
Start a longer countdown timer
- Before starting the timer, choose 30 seconds or 1 minute from the 'time adjustment' options.
- Click Start Timer — the new duration will be remembered for consecutive polls.
Add more time to a running timer
- Click Time Adjustment while the timer is running.
- Select 10, 30, or 60 seconds — the extra time is added instantly without stopping the current timer.
Cancel your countdown timer
- Click Cancel Timer – The poll stays open and participants can still vote, but the countdown stops.
Pause your countdown timer
- Click Pause Timer to pause, then resume when you're ready.
- Participants can still vote while the timer is paused or canceled.
Run a poll with a countdown timer (Dashboard)
Open the poll – the Start Timer button appears with the default duration.
Adjust the time if needed before starting the countdown.
Click Start Timer – the poll closes automatically when it reaches zero.
The countdown is displayed in Present View and on the dashboard.
Use the Pause or Time Adjustment buttons to modify the timer.
The poll remains open until you manually stop it, even if the timer is canceled.
5. Add a custom countdown timer sound
Want to make your session feel uniquely yours? You can now upload your own MP3 audio file to play alongside your countdown timer — instead of (or as well as) the built-in sound options.
Custom countdown timer sounds are available on Pro, Institutional, and Enterprise plans.
How to upload a custom sound:
Open your session and click Settings in the navigation menu and select the Polls section.
Make sure Enable countdown timer music is toggled ON.
Click Upload next to the Countdown Timer Music selection.
Select your MP3 file(audio/MPEG). Maximum size = 10MB. You can play the sound, increase/decrease the volume, delete and re-add another sound clip.
Click Save. Your custom sound will now play with every countdown timer in this session.
Ideas for how to use custom sounds:
- Branded countdown tones for corporate events or product launches
- Gentle, calming audio for wellbeing or mindfulness sessions
- Fun or quirky sounds to boost energy in quizzes or student engagement activities
- High-energy build-up music to create anticipation before a big reveal
Using a consistent sound across your sessions can create a strong sense of brand association for your audience — much like a jingle. It also helps signal the end of an activity clearly, especially in larger rooms where screens may be hard to see.
6. Muting the countdown timer sound
- Click the sound icon in Present View or the dashboard to mute the timer sound. This mutes the audio but does not stop the countdown.
7. Troubleshooting: Why is my sound not playing?
Check the following:
- The music will only play if you open or use a countdown timer.
-
If you use MS Teams to run your polls, ensure that when you share your screen you include your sound as well in your Teams meeting.
- If your custom MP3 is not playing, check that the file is a valid MP3 format and under 10MB. Try re-uploading the file and saving your settings again.