What SERP features are
A SERP (search engine results page) used to be ten blue links. Today most results pages mix in other elements: AI Overviews, featured snippets, People Also Ask boxes, local map packs, image and video carousels, Top Stories, shopping results, knowledge panels and sitelinks.
They change what a ranking position is worth. Position 1 under an AI Overview, a map pack and four ads can sit below the fold, while a featured snippet can win the click from position 4.
The main types
AI Overviews summarise an answer and cite sources. Featured snippets quote a paragraph, list or table from one page. People Also Ask lists related questions with expandable answers. The local pack shows three businesses on a map for local-intent searches. Rich snippets add stars, prices or other details to a normal result. Image packs, video results and Top Stories appear when Google thinks the query wants them.
How to win SERP features
Answer the question directly in the first lines of a section, then expand: this format suits featured snippets, People Also Ask and AI Overviews alike. Use clear headings, lists and tables, add valid JSON-LD for rich results, keep a complete Google Business Profile for local packs, and use descriptive image file names and alt text.
Track which features appear for your keywords alongside your positions, because a new feature on a results page can cut clicks without any change in rank.