Set up a countdown timer for Present View

In this article we look at:

1. 1. What is a countdown timer and why use it?
   2. How does a countdown timer work?
   3. Setting up a countdown timer
   4. How to run a poll with a countdown timer
      • From Present view
        • Start a 10 second countdown timer
        • Start a longer countdown timer
        • Add more time to your countdown timer
        • Cancel your countdown timer
        • Pause your countdown timer
      • In the dashboard 
   5. Mute the sound of the countdown timer
   6. Why is my sound not playing?

1. What is a countdown timer and why use it?

A countdown timer does not only add a level of excitement to your polls. It also prompts your participants to answer a poll in a given time. 

A countdown timer can also be used to close your poll automatically. It is especially popular when used in quizzes and adds to the excitement & flow of the polling session.

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 up 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.
• Timer sound options are available (8 choices). Custom audio files cannot be uploaded.

3. Setting up a countdown timer

Countdown timers can be used impromptu – it is always available (in your control bar/dashboard) when you ask a poll, or it can be set up in advance so that it appears automatically on each poll.

1. To set up your countdown timer for impromptu use:

You can enable the countdown timer either:

1. On-the-fly (impromptu use) – Activate manually when opening a poll.

2. In advance – Automatically trigger the timer for every poll.

2. To 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.

Next to "Countdown Timer Music," choose a sound from the dropdown menu or disable the sound. Click on the arrow next to the music clip to see other sound options. When you press the play button a demo sound will play until you stop it. Click on the sound clip name to select it.

 Enable the Automatic Countdown Timer option and set the duration (default: 10 seconds). 

Click Save to apply your settings.

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.

Start a longer countdown timer

• Before starting the timer, choose 30 seconds or 1 minute from the 'time adjustment' options.
• Press Start Timer, and the new duration will be remembered for consecutive polls.

Add more time to a running timer

• Click Time Adjustment and select 10, 30, or 60 seconds.
• Additional time is added instantly without stopping the current timer.

Cancel your countdown timer

• Click Cancel Timer – the poll remains open, but the countdown stops.

Pause your countdown timer

• Click Pause Timer to pause and resume when needed.
• Participants can still vote while the timer is paused or canceled.

 Run a poll with a countdown timer from the 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 – when it reaches zero, the poll closes automatically.

 The countdown is displayed in Present View and on the dashboard.

 Use the Pause or Time Adjustment buttons to modify the timer.

5. Mute the countdown timer sound: 

• Click the sound icon in Present View or the dashboard.
• This mutes the sound but does not stop the countdown.

6. Troubleshooting: Why is my sound not playing?

Check that:

• • You have given your browser permission to play music. 
  • The music will only play if you open or use a countdown timer.