Tapered optical fibers have continuously evolved in areas such as distributed sensing and laser generation in recent years. Their high sensitivity, ease of integration, and real-time monitoring capabilities have positioned them as a focal point in optical fiber sensing. This paper systematically introduces the structures and characteristics of various tapered optical fiber sensors, providing a comprehensive overview of their applications in biosensing, environmental monitoring, and industrial surveillance. Furthermore, it offers insights into the developmental trends of tapered optical fiber sensing, providing valuable references for future related research and suggesting potential directions for the further advancement of optical fiber sensing.