What is a featured snippet?
A featured snippet is a selected search result that appears in a box at the top of Google's results page (often called "Position Zero") that directly answers the query. It is extracted from a page that Google determines gives the best direct answer.
Types of featured snippets and how to win them
The three main featured snippet formats are paragraph (a short text answer), list (ordered or unordered steps or items), and table (data in tabular format). The format Google selects depends on the query type.
Winning featured snippets requires content that explicitly answers the target question, is well-structured (with headings, lists, and concise paragraphs), and comes from a page already ranking in the top 10. Featured snippets are contested positions — creating content specifically structured for snippet capture is a viable tactic.
Example
Example
Searching "how many pages should a sitemap have" may trigger a featured snippet from a page that has a clear paragraph answering the question followed by supporting context.
Frequently asked questions
How do I optimize for a featured snippet?
Answer the exact question in a tight 40-60 word passage directly under a matching heading, then elaborate. You must already rank top 10 for the query; the snippet is selected from page one.
Do featured snippets steal clicks?
For simple factual queries, often yes: the answer satisfies on the SERP. For complex queries the snippet acts as a trust signal that lifts clicks. Whether to chase one depends on what the query resolves to.