A featured snippet is Google answering the question for you, in a box, using someone's content. The goal is simple. Make that someone you.
The short version
A featured snippet is a highlighted answer box that appears at the top of Google's search results, above the regular listings, pulling a concise answer directly from a ranking page.
Common formats
Paragraph answers, the most common type
Numbered or bulleted lists, for steps or rankings
Tables, for comparisons and data
How to earn one
Answer the question directly and early, in 40 to 60 words
Use a clear heading that matches the question
Structure content as lists or tables where it fits
FAQ
Is a featured snippet the same as an AI Overview?
No. A featured snippet quotes one source in a box. An AI Overview synthesises an answer from several sources. Both sit above the classic results.