Circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) refers to the emission of light with distinguishable left or right circular polarization in non-racemic systems. CPL has attracted significant attention due to its potential applications in future displays, photonics technologiesIn recent years, there has been significant development in the field of circularly polarized luminescent (CPL) materials based on small organic molecules, attributed to their precise and tunable molecular structures and high luminescent efficiency. With the continuous investigation of chiral molecular frameworks and molecular derivatization, the performance of CPL small molecules has been comprehensively promoted. We herein provide a detailed discussion on commonly studied CPL chiral frameworks of small molecules, including axially chiral binaphthyls, axially chiral biphenyls, chiral helicenes, planar chiral cyclophanes, spirocycles, metal-centered chirality, and point chirality, aiming at providing readers with the basic understanding and research status about CPL as well as inspiration for future development.