Featured snippet
Answer above the results
Featured snippet is a highlighted excerpt that Google shows at the very top of the search results and that directly answers the user’s question. Google selects it automatically from a page and adds a link to the source. It is often called position zero because it sits even above the first regular result.
What a featured snippet looks like and when it appears
A featured snippet most often appears for questions that have a clear answer — such as what something means, how something is done, or what options exist. Google shows it as a short paragraph, a numbered or bulleted list, or a small table, always together with a link to the page the content comes from.
The goal is to give the user an answer as fast as possible. For a business this means strong visibility: your content is the first thing a person sees on the page, ahead of the other results. That strengthens the brand’s credibility even in the eyes of people who don’t click the link right away.
How to win a featured snippet
A snippet can’t be bought or set directly — Google generates it on its own from the content it considers the best answer. Your job is to prepare that content so it’s clear, concise, and easy to use.
- Identify the specific questions your customers ask.
- Answer them directly and briefly right at the start of the section.
- Structure content into clear lists and short paragraphs.
- Target terms where a snippet already shows and offer a better answer.
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What is the difference between a featured snippet and AI overviews?
A featured snippet is an excerpt taken from one specific page, including a link to it. AI overviews are an answer the search engine itself assembles from multiple sources. Both sit above the regular results, but they differ in how the answer is produced.
Is it worth aiming for a featured snippet if people don’t click from it?
Yes. Even if some people get the answer directly, your brand is front and center and builds authority. For more complex topics, a snippet also sparks interest and users click for the details.
How do I find out which questions show a snippet?
SEO tools and search itself help — when you enter typical customer questions, you’ll see where Google already shows a snippet. These terms are the best target for preparing content.