Google Reduces FAQ Rich Result Visibility Across Search Results
Google has reduced the visibility of FAQ rich results and restricted HowTo rich results to desktop devices only. According to recent reports, these changes affect most websites globally, reshaping how structured data appears in search results and altering expected click-through behavior.
What Google Changed in FAQ and HowTo Rich Results
Google has officially confirmed a reduction in the visibility of two structured data-driven search features: FAQ rich results and HowTo rich results.
For most websites, FAQ rich results will no longer appear regularly in search snippets. HowTo rich results, meanwhile, are now limited to desktop search and removed entirely from mobile results.
Google stated that the rollout is happening globally and is expected to complete within a short window.
Which Websites Will Still See FAQ Rich Results
Google clarified that FAQ rich results will now primarily appear for a narrow category of sites, including:
- Authoritative government websites
- Recognised health-focused websites
For all other websites, FAQPage structured data may still be indexed, but it will no longer reliably trigger enhanced SERP features.
Selection for FAQ display is determined algorithmically, not manually, and eligibility does not guarantee visibility.
Why Google Is Reducing Rich Result Visibility
Google has gradually reduced FAQ rich result exposure since earlier changes introduced last year. The latest update formalises this shift.
According to Google, structured data like FAQPage and HowTo should serve users, not expand promotional SERP real estate. Google also reiterated that FAQ schema should not be used for advertising or marketing content.
This aligns with Google’s broader move toward cleaner search results and reduced snippet clutter.
Impact on SEO Performance and Click-Through Rates
Websites that previously benefited from FAQ or HowTo rich results may notice:
- Lower impressions from enhanced snippets
- Reduced SERP real estate
- Changes in click-through rates
However, reduced visibility does not automatically mean weaker performance. In some cases, fewer distractions can improve intent-driven clicks and conversion quality.
Organic rankings remain unaffected as long as content quality and relevance are maintained.
Should Websites Remove FAQ or HowTo Structured Data?
Google has explicitly advised against removing structured data.
Unused structured data does not negatively impact search performance. While it may no longer trigger rich results, it still helps search engines understand page content and context.
Content that demonstrates strong E-E-A-T signals — experience, expertise, authoritativeness, and trust — will continue to perform in organic search even without enhanced snippets.
What This Means for Future SEO Strategies
The reduction of FAQ and HowTo rich results reinforces a larger trend in search:
- Structured data is no longer a shortcut to visibility
- Content depth and clarity matter more than markup alone
- Search features are increasingly selective and context-driven
SEO strategies now need to focus on answer quality, entity coverage, and AI-readable clarity, rather than reliance on schema-driven SERP enhancements.
FAQs
Why did Google reduce FAQ rich result visibility?
Google aims to limit SERP clutter and ensure rich results appear only where they provide clear user value.
Are FAQ rich results completely removed?
No. They are now primarily limited to authoritative government and health websites.
Do HowTo rich results still appear on mobile?
No. HowTo rich results are now restricted to desktop search only.
Should marketers stop using FAQ schema?
No. Google advises keeping structured data in place, even if it no longer triggers rich results.
Does this update affect rankings?
No. Rankings are not impacted directly. Only the display of rich results has changed.
Final Takeaway:
The reduction in FAQ and HowTo rich result visibility marks another shift toward intent-first, quality-driven search experiences. While structured data still matters, sustainable visibility now depends on authoritative content, strong entity signals, and clear answers built for both users and AI-driven search systems.
Digilogy tracks these industry developments closely as part of its ongoing analysis of search ecosystem changes. For regular updates and contextual insights, visit the Digilogy News page.
