Featured Snippet
A highlighted answer block at the top of Google search results, also known as position zero.
A featured snippet is a special block at the top of Google search results that directly displays an answer to the search query. It's also called "position zero" because it appears above the regular organic results.
Types of featured snippets
There are four main types: paragraph (a short text answer), list (numbered or bulleted), table, and video. Google automatically selects which type best fits the query and extracts the content from one of the top results.
Featured snippets and AI Overviews
Featured snippets are the precursor to AI Overviews. Google uses similar selection criteria: clearly structured content that directly answers a question. Optimizing for featured snippets simultaneously optimizes for AI visibility.
Optimization tips per snippet type
| Snippet type | Ideal structure | Optimal length | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paragraph | Question as H2/H3, directly followed by a concise answer in a <p> tag | 40-60 words | Start with a direct definition or answer. Avoid introductory phrases like "In this article we discuss..." |
| List (numbered) | Steps or rankings as <ol> with <li> items under an H2/H3 | 5-8 items, 1 sentence each | Use an H2 like "How to [action] in [x] steps" followed by a numbered list |
| List (bulleted) | Items as <ul> with <li> items, or H3 subheadings that Google interprets as a list | 5-8 items | Use parallel constructions (each item starts the same way) |
| Table | <table> with <thead> and <tbody>, clear column headers | 3-5 columns, 4-8 rows | Use semantic HTML tables, not div constructions. Short, comparable values per cell |
HTML example for a paragraph snippet
The ideal HTML structure for a paragraph featured snippet combines a clear question as a heading with a concise answer directly below:
<h2>What is a featured snippet?</h2>\n<p>A featured snippet is a highlighted answer block at the top of Google search results that directly displays an answer to the search query. It appears above the regular organic results and is also known as 'position zero.'</p>The key is: the heading contains the exact question, the answer follows directly in the first paragraph, and the answer is 40-60 words long. Then provide additional context and depth for the reader.
Checklist: optimizing for featured snippets
- Use the exact search question as an H2 or H3 heading
- Provide a concise, direct answer in the first paragraph (40-60 words)
- Use semantic HTML: <ol> for steps, <ul> for lists, <table> for comparisons
- Structure your page with a clear heading hierarchy (H2 > H3 > H4)
- Already rank in the top 10 for the keyword (featured snippets almost always come from page 1)
- Answer related questions on the same page (multiple snippet opportunities)
- Add a "What is [term]?" section to your most important pages
- Use Schema.org — bibliotheekterm FAQPage markup for frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my page has a featured snippet?
Search Google for your target keyword and check if your page appears in the featured snippet block. You can also track this with tools like Ahrefs, Semrush, or SE Ranking, which report featured snippet positions. In Google Search Console, you can filter by search appearance type to see snippet impressions.
Can I "steal" a featured snippet from a competitor?
Yes. Analyze what content Google currently shows as a snippet and create a better structured, more concise, and more relevant answer. Make sure your page already ranks in the top 10 for the keyword. Improve the HTML structure, add a direct answer, and use the right heading. Google regularly reconsiders which source provides the snippet.
Does a featured snippet affect my CTR?
The effect is twofold. A featured snippet can significantly increase your visibility and CTR (you literally appear at position zero). But it can also lead to zero-click searches: the searcher gets the answer directly in the SERP — bibliotheekterm and doesn't click through. For simple factual questions, this risk is greater. For complex topics, the snippet actually leads to more clicks.
Which featured snippet type is easiest to get?
Paragraph snippets are the most common (approximately 70% of all featured snippets) and are relatively the easiest to target. Write a clear heading with the question and provide a concise answer of 40-60 words directly below. List snippets are the second easiest, provided you already have a well-structured numbered or bulleted list.
Are featured snippets the same as AI Overviews?
No, but they are related. Featured snippets show an exact fragment from a specific source. AI Overviews generate a summary based on multiple sources using AI. The optimization principles overlap: clear structure, direct answers, and semantic HTML work for both. The difference is that AI Overviews draw from multiple sources and appear more often for complex queries.
