SERP Feature, explained properly.
In a nutshell
SERP features encompass AI Overviews, Featured Snippets, the local pack, knowledge panels, People Also Ask boxes, image and video carousels, and shopping results. By 2026 they occupy over half the visible space on most results pages. For example, a Featured Snippet for "what is corporation tax UK" outranks every blue link.
Quick answer
A SERP feature is any search result that is not a standard text-and-link organic listing. Features include AI Overviews, Featured Snippets, the local pack, knowledge panels, People Also Ask, image carousels, video carousels, and shopping results. As of 2026, they occupy over half the visible space.
The main SERP features
- **AI Overviews:** an AI-generated answer at the top of the page (informational queries). - **Featured Snippets:** a direct answer pulled from a single page (paragraph, list, or table). - **Local pack:** three local business listings with a map (location queries). - **Knowledge panel:** a right-hand information box about a brand, person, or entity. - **People Also Ask:** expandable question accordions (informational queries). - **Image and video carousels:** horizontally scrolling visual results. - **Shopping results:** product listings with images, prices, and merchants. - **Top Stories:** news articles for trending topics. - **Site links:** sub-page links beneath the primary result. - **Reviews:** star ratings using review schema.
Why SERP features matter
SERP features capture pixel real estate at the top of the page. On commercial searches, only 20% of above-the-fold space is traditional organic; the rest is made up of paid results, products, AI Overviews, shopping, and images.
How do I optimise for SERP features?
Each feature rewards a specific approach. AI Overviews and Featured Snippets reward direct answers and structured content. The local pack rewards a strong Google Business Profile. Reviews require schema markup. People Also Ask rewards FAQ formatting.
Are SERP features ranking factors?
No, they are search result types. But appearing in a SERP feature affects your effective ranking position by lifting your visibility.
Which SERP features have the biggest CTR impact?
AI Overviews and Featured Snippets capture most clicks. The local pack drives more than 40% of local business search clicks. People Also Ask affects visibility on informational queries.
How do I track SERP features in my SEO reports?
Tools like SEMrush, Ahrefs, and STAT track which features appear for your target keywords, showing feature ownership and visibility opportunities.
SERP Feature: common questions.
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