Abstract: Seabed hydrocarbon seepage is widely distributed in marine environment. To detect the hydrocarbon seepage is of great significance for exploration and development of marine oil and gas resources. In the meantime, acoustic reflection characteristics of sonar image and subbottom profile are the main approaches to detect seepage. In the paper, we made a comprehensive review and systematic discussion on the origin of the seabed hydrocarbon seepage, the development and current status of shallow acoustic detection technology used for detection of seabed hydrocarbon seepage, and the acoustic reflection characteristics of sonar image and subbottom profile. We summarized in this paper the use of acoustic detection methods, their preferences and seepage characteristics in different sea areas around the world. It is suggested that integrated study using different methods are required for seepage detection, in addition to the development of targeted method for data processing.