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SEO Term Definition

Featured Snippet

A featured snippet is a box at the top of Google's search results (position 0) that directly answers a query, pulling content from a web page. Winning one can dramatically increase organic CTR.

Reviewed by Alexander Yarovenko · Updated: 2026-06-22

What is a Featured Snippet?

A featured snippet is a special result that appears at the top of Google's search results page — above all organic results, below paid ads — in a highlighted answer box. Also called "position 0," it pulls a direct answer to a query from one of the top-ranking web pages, along with the page title and URL.

Types of Featured Snippets

TypeFormatBest triggered by
ParagraphBlock of text (40–60 words)"What is…", "How does…" questions
List (ordered)Numbered steps"How to…" step-by-step queries
List (unordered)Bullet points"Types of…", "Examples of…" queries
TableStructured data tableComparison and data queries
VideoYouTube video clipTutorial and how-to queries

How to Win Featured Snippets

  1. Target question-based queries — find questions your content can answer in 40–60 words
  2. Structure your answer correctly — use the question as an H2/H3, then provide the concise answer immediately below
  3. Use lists and tables — these formats are often pulled for list-type and comparison snippets
  4. Rank on page 1 first — Google almost exclusively pulls snippets from results already in the top 10
  5. Add FAQ schema — helps Google identify and validate Q&A content

Featured Snippet CTR: The Debate

Studies show featured snippets can capture 8–12% CTR even without a click to the site (zero-click results). However, for queries where users need more detail, the featured snippet site often sees a CTR boost compared to ranking at position 1 without a snippet. Monitor via Google Search Console — filter by query to compare.