Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is YouGov?

YouGov conducts polls on the Internet about politics, public affairs, products, brands and other topics of general interest. YouGov polls are taken by people, from all over the nation, who have agreed to share their thoughts on a wide variety of important issues.

How long is a typical YouGov survey?

Most YouGov surveys are very short and should only take you about five to seven minutes to complete. A typical survey is only about 20 to 30 fairly short questions in total. Occasionally, there will be longer surveys or surveys with more complex questions. The longest surveys should not take more than 20 minutes to complete.

For what purposes is the data collected by YouGov used?

Data from YouGov surveys are used by news media, public affairs groups, institutions, political campaigns, companies and marketing agencies, to reveal and analyze public opinion.

Who pays for these polls?

YouGov conducts surveys for a diverse group of clients to help them better understand public views about current affairs, and consumer products and brands.

YouGov is a non-partisan organization.  Many of our surveys have nothing to do with politics.  We do also conduct political polls – some for clients and some on our own behalf to gauge the opinions of Americans.  Our own polls are not written from either the Democratic or Republican side, but are meant to be social scientific efforts to read public opinion. Our clients may be Democrats or Republicans or liberals, moderates, or conservatives. While these clients may in the end have their own partisan goals, the surveys we conduct are not intended to influence your opinions, but to measure them. Rest assured that when you answer a poll at YouGov, your privacy is secure, and your responses do make a difference.

Can I see results of the polls in which I participate?

You can read results of many of our polls right on the front page of this website.

I took a survey but don't see all of the results posted. Why do you only show some of the results?

YouGov conducts surveys for a wide variety of clients, and is sometimes asked to keep the results from those surveys confidential.

Will the information I provide to YouGov be confidential?

Yes. Your responses will be used only for statistical tabulations, such as "50% of the public is in favor of a tax cut" or "10% more women valued Brand X." Your individual answers will never be revealed to anyone in a manner that reveals your identity. Please see our Privacy Policy for complete details.

What kind of rewards are offered for participating in surveys?

When you take surveys you accumulate points which can later be redeemed for rewards. Rewards range from tote bags and t-shirts to movie tickets and dining certificates all the way up to $100 cash. See our Rewards page for a complete list.

Will I receive e-mail messages from anyone other than YouGov?

No. Under no conditions will YouGov give, rent, or sell your e-mail address to anyone else or allow messages to be sent to you by third parties.

Do I have to buy or subscribe to anything?

No. YouGov conducts only legitimate public opinion polls. You will not be asked to buy or subscribe to anything.

Where can I get more information?

See the Terms and Conditions page.