I’ve been posting for a week now, and I’ve noticed that while reader retention between chapters is good, people aren't leaving many comments.
At the end of the latest chapter, I included a poll asking which character had caught their attention the most so far.

It seemed like a good idea, I was curious, and I thought it offered a simple way for them to interact without having to write a long comment.

But I wonder what other strategies might work.

I want readers to feel invited to share their opinions, not pressured to do so.

I'm genuinely grateful to my viewers, and if it’s better not to bother them, I’m fine with that too.

I would appreciate any advice from authors with more experience in this area.

I usually just ask readers to leave a comment in my post-chapter author's note, and I'll often include a question to encourage discussion. That said, I wouldn't expect too many comments in general. Most readers prefer to stay silent rather than comment, but I always make sure to reply to every comment I receive, even if it's just a "TFTC."

honestly, I've found karma. Interact with other people's work, and they're more likely to check out your own writing and interact with it.

Chatty readers are rare. About 1 in 150-200 followers are chatty. Also, readers read at different rates. I have chapters that have been up for years getting comments now. 

Patience. Wait. It’s really the only thing that works. In the meantime, keep writing, keep posting. 

MistOverSnow Wrote: Chatty readers are rare. About 1 in 150-200 followers are chatty. Also, readers read at different rates. I have chapters that have been up for years getting comments now. 

Patience. Wait. It’s really the only thing that works. In the meantime, keep writing, keep posting.

Pretty much this. It's impossible to make anyone comment. When you do get comments, make sure you respond even if it's just to thank them for reading.

Thank you all for the advices!

I’ll keep that in mind.

I’ll be patient and probably also be an active reader on some stories

Thanks again for all the help!

"I would really appreciate your feedback. Of course, nobody forces you. I would be happy with you just reading and enjoying my story. Just know that I have a gun pointed at Mister Whisker's head. But again, it's your choice."

I think "patience" is indeed a keyword.
Even looking for a buddy to comment each other stories is hard hahahaha but well, maybe is just matter of time and consistency.