Spontaneous orientation polarization (SOP) of amorphous organic semiconducting films has attracted much attention because of its frequent observation in common organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) and potential influences on the device properties of OLEDs. On the other hand, the formation mechanism of SOP has been controversial for a long time, ever since its discovery in 2002. Recently, the formation mechanism of SOP was explained in terms of the surface equilibration mechanism of vapor-deposited glasses, and the understanding of SOP has progressed significantly. Based on the improved understanding, some active control methods of SOP have been demonstrated and further influences on the device performance of OLEDs were revealed, suggesting that higher efficiency can be achieved by managing SOP properly. Furthermore, some applications of SOP have also been proposed, such as a self-assembled electret and a tool for evaluating materials properties. In this paper, recent progress in the understanding of SOP and its applications to devices are reviewed. •Recent progress in understanding of spontaneous orientation polarization (SOP) in organic semiconducting films is reviewed.•Formation mechanism and active control methods of SOP are discussed.•Influences of SOP on the device performance of organic light-emitting diodes are discussed.•Applications of SOP are introduced.