Featured snippet

What is a featured snippet?

A featured snippet is a selected search result that appears in a prominent box at the top of Google's search results page. Often called "position zero" because it appears above the traditional #1 ranking position, featured snippets directly answer a user's question without requiring them to click through to a website. Google programmatically extracts this information from web pages in its index, displaying it in a way that helps users find answers quickly.

How do featured snippets work?

Google's algorithms identify pages that provide clear, direct answers to search queries. When the system determines a featured snippet would help users, it extracts relevant content from a page that's already ranking well for that query. The algorithm looks for content that directly addresses the search intent in a concise, informative way. Google doesn't necessarily pull snippets from the #1 ranking page—they can come from any page in the top results that best answers the specific question.

Why are featured snippets important for SEO?

Featured snippets dramatically increase visibility for your content by placing it above all other search results. This prime position typically drives higher click-through rates, especially for complex topics where the snippet provides just enough information to generate interest without fully satisfying the query. Being featured also establishes your site as an authoritative source in your field. Research shows that featured snippets can increase organic traffic by 20-30% for those queries, even if your page wasn't previously in the top position.

How can you optimize content for featured snippets?

To increase your chances of earning featured snippets, structure content with clear question-and-answer formats that directly address common queries in your industry. Include a concise, direct answer (40-60 words works well) early in your content, followed by more detailed information. Use well-organized headings and subheadings that match search intent. For definition-based snippets, create clear "what is" statements. For process-based content, use step-by-step formats with descriptive headers. Always focus on providing genuine value rather than just optimizing for the snippet itself.

What are the different types of featured snippets?

Featured snippets appear in several formats depending on the query type:

Paragraph snippets display text blocks that directly answer questions, ideal for definitional queries or simple explanations.

List snippets show numbered steps or bulleted items, commonly appearing for "how-to" queries, recipes, or ranked items.

Table snippets organize comparative data in rows and columns, perfect for pricing, rates, measurements, or other data that benefits from tabular presentation.

Video snippets feature YouTube content with a specific timestamp that answers the query, typically for demonstrations or visual explanations.

Each type serves different search intents, with Google selecting the format that best presents the answer to the user's question.