What is a snippet? Search snippets, featured snippets and rich results explained
Published 27 October 2026
A snippet is the short preview of a web page that Google shows in search results. It usually has the page title as a link, the web address and a line or two of text describing the page. Google builds it for every result, and you influence it through your page content.
Snippet, featured snippet and rich result
What is the difference between a snippet, a featured snippet and a rich result?
| Type | What it is | Who controls it |
|---|---|---|
| Standard snippet | The title, address and description shown for each result | Mostly you, through your title and description, though Google may rewrite them |
| Featured snippet | An answer extracted from a page and shown above the normal results | Google chooses it; there is no setting to request it |
| Rich result | A result with extras such as ratings, prices or FAQs | You can add structured data, but Google decides whether to show it |
How does Google create the snippet text?
Google writes snippets automatically. It often uses your meta description, but it may instead pull text from the page if that matches the search better. The same page can show different snippets for different searches. Google's own documentation says the meta description is not guaranteed to be used.
How can I influence my snippet?
Focus on the parts you control:
- Write a clear title. Aim for roughly 50 to 60 characters and put what the page is about first. Google measures width in pixels, so this is a guide, not a hard limit.
- Write a description for each page. Roughly 140 to 160 characters, saying what the reader will find and why it helps.
- Put the answer near the top of the page. Google can only quote text that is visible on the page.
- Keep titles and descriptions unique. Duplicates leave Google guessing.
See our WordPress SEO service for how WdBasic proposes these for you to approve.
How do I get a featured snippet?
You cannot switch one on. Pages that tend to be chosen answer one question directly in a short paragraph, list or table, usually under a clear heading that repeats the question. That is good writing anyway. No one can promise that a page will appear in a featured snippet.
What do snippets look like in WordPress?
WordPress does not manage snippets itself. Titles come from your post or page title, and descriptions need an SEO plugin or a theme field. If no description is set, Google picks text from the page. To see what you have now, search Google for site:yourdomain.com and read the previews.
Frequently asked questions
Can I edit my snippet directly in Google?
No. You change the page title, the meta description and the page content, then wait for Google to recrawl the page.
Why does Google show a different description from the one I wrote?
Google may choose page text that fits the search better. A description that matches the page and the search intent is more likely to be used.
Is a featured snippet the same as position one?
No. A featured snippet appears above the normal results and is selected separately by Google. A page may be in it while ranking lower in the usual list.
Next step
Check whether your pages have a title and description that make sense. Run a free audit with our WordPress plugin or start here. We propose each fix and you approve it. We cannot promise any result in Google.