Featured Snippets

A featured snippet is a highlighted box at or near the top of Google’s search results that shows a short answer taken directly from a web page, with a link to the source. It is often called “position zero” because it appears above the traditional first organic result.

Written by Paul Hoda, SEO consultant since 2005. Last updated 8 November 2026.

Types of featured snippets

  • Paragraph snippets: a short text answer, usually 40 to 60 words, for “what is” and “why” questions.
  • List snippets: numbered or bulleted lists for steps, rankings and collections.
  • Table snippets: data in rows and columns, for prices, comparisons and specifications.
  • Video snippets: a YouTube video with a suggested start time for “how to” searches.

Why featured snippets matter

  • Visibility: the snippet takes up prominent space, especially on mobile.
  • Authority: being chosen as the answer signals expertise.
  • Voice search and AI: assistants often read featured snippets aloud, and similar extractable answers are used in AI Overviews.

Featured snippets can sometimes reduce clicks for simple questions because the answer is already visible (Zero-Click Searches). For more complex topics, they usually increase clicks.

How Google chooses featured snippets

Google usually picks a page that already ranks on the first page for the query and contains a clear, well-structured answer. You do not need to rank first; pages in positions two to ten often win the snippet.

How to win featured snippets

  1. Target question keywords that already show a snippet. Look for “what”, “how”, “why”, “best” and “vs” queries in your Keyword Research.
  2. Use the question as a heading (H2 or H3).
  3. Answer directly in the first 40 to 60 words after the heading, then expand.
  4. Use lists for steps and rankings, with each step on its own line.
  5. Use HTML tables for comparisons and data.
  6. Define terms clearly, for example “X is a … that …”.
  7. Match the current snippet format: if Google shows a list, write a list.
  8. Improve the rest of the page so it ranks on page one in the first place.

Featured snippets vs People Also Ask

People Also Ask boxes show several related questions, each expanding to a snippet-style answer. The same content techniques apply, so a page with well-structured answers to several related questions can appear in both.

Can you stop Google using a snippet?

Yes. A nosnippet meta tag or the data-nosnippet attribute prevents text being shown in snippets, and max-snippet limits the length. These also reduce how your content can appear in AI features, so use them only for good reasons.

Tracking featured snippets

Rank tracking tools show which keywords trigger snippets and whether you own them. In Google Search Console, a sudden jump in impressions and clicks for a question query often signals that you have won one. Snippets change hands often, so keep the answer accurate and up to date. For more on optimising for answers across search and AI, see Answer Engine Optimisation (AEO).

Further reading: Google on featured snippets.

Key Takeaways

  • Featured snippets show a direct answer above the organic results.
  • You usually need to rank on page one to win one.
  • Answer the question in 40 to 60 words straight after a matching heading.
  • Use lists for steps and tables for comparisons.
  • Snippet-ready content also suits AI answers and voice search.

Related Terms

Need a second opinion on your website? Ask for a free website SEO check, or keep learning in the SEO Encyclopedia.