Abstract: This paper introduces the basic principle of spatiotemporal mode-locking (STML) and the theoretical model of STML—attractor dissection.  It presents the recent research progress about STML fiber laser from two aspects of spatial optical structures and all-fiber structures, including the improvement of laser cavity type, the enhancement of output performance, and the observation of real-time dynamics, etc.  The advantage and insufficiency of the current STML laser are analyzed, and the development direction is forecasted: STML laser possesses great potential in generating high-power and ultrashort pulse, but to some extent, the poor quality of output modes hinders its application; improving the beam quality by self-similar evolution, wavefront shaping, etc. will be the direction to develop  STML laser in the future.