The stability of heavy crude oil emulsion is very important in the heavy crude oil transportation. However, in the pipeline transportation process, the oil⁃water volume ratio, water content (water quality fraction) and other factors have a certain influence on the stability of the heavy crude oil emulsion. The microstructure, stability mechanism of emulsion and the role of focused beam reflection measurement (FBRM) technology in the study of stability of emulsion were introduced. The comprehensive effects of different factors such as oil⁃water ratio, water content and additives on emulsion stability were comprehensively analyzed. Finally, the research status of dynamic stability of emulsions was introduced. The main factors affecting the stability of heavy crude oil emulsions are oil⁃water volume ratio, water content, emulsification temperature and salinity, surfactants, alkaline agents. High molecular polymer used to enhance recovery of heavy crude oil also have effect on the stability of emulsion. The dynamic stability of the emulsion was studied by different simulation methods, and the results were similar. Among them, the loop simulation method had the most reference value