Featured Snippet
Also known as: Answer Box, Position Zero
A featured snippet is a highlighted answer box that appears at the top of some Google results, pulling a paragraph, list, or table from a ranking page to answer a query directly. Google selects the snippet automatically from content it judges to answer the question clearly and concisely, and credits the source page.
Key Takeaways
- A featured snippet is a highlighted answer box at the top of some Google results that answers a query directly.
- Google pulls the snippet automatically from a ranking page as a paragraph, list, or table and credits the source.
- Featured snippets are often used as source material for AI Overviews and voice assistant answers.
- Winning a snippet can raise visibility and authority and still drives clicks from users who want more detail.
- Snippets favor a clean, self-contained answer near a matching heading, not keyword-stuffed text.
How It Works
Google identifies queries that seem to want a direct answer, then scans pages that already rank to find a passage that answers the question clearly and concisely. It lifts that paragraph, list, or table into a box at the top of the results and links back to the source page.
To win one, structure content so a specific question has a specific, self-contained answer directly beneath a heading that matches how people phrase it, which ties closely to Search Intent.
Featured snippets also shape AI-era visibility. They frequently feed AI Overviews and reward the same answer-first structure as Answer Engine Optimization. That structure can trigger a Zero-Click Search when users get what they need without clicking, so clarity should still leave a reason to read more.
Why It Matters
Featured snippets earn prominent visibility and are frequently used as source material for AI Overviews and voice answers. Winning one can raise brand authority and, for many queries, still drives clicks from users who want more detail.
Example
A local dentist wants the snippet for how long a dental crown lasts. The page adds a heading matching that question, then answers in two clean sentences with a typical range before expanding into detail below. Google promotes the concise answer into a featured snippet, giving the practice prominent visibility and steady clicks from readers who want the full explanation.
Common Mistake
Stuffing a page with keywords instead of directly answering the target question. Snippets favor a clean, self-contained answer placed near a matching heading, not a keyword-dense wall of text.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a featured snippet?
Target a specific question, place a clear heading that matches how people ask it, and answer directly in a self-contained paragraph, list, or table. The page usually needs to already rank on the first page to be eligible.
Do featured snippets hurt my traffic?
Sometimes. If the box fully answers the query, users may not click, causing a zero-click search. For many queries, though, the snippet earns visibility and still drives clicks from people who want more detail.
What is position zero?
Position zero is a nickname for the featured snippet, because it sits above the first regular organic result. Holding it can mean strong visibility, though the actual click benefit varies by query and intent.