Ordos Basin is an important oil and gas exploration and development area in china, Oil and gas structures are formed by compaction in multiple horizons. By the influence of the ancient landform, the differential compaction structure and other structures combine to form various types of oil and gas reservoirs, which are rich in oil and gas resources. Based on the detailed analysis of sedimentary and hydrocarbon accumulation characteristics in Ordos basin, the process of differential compaction in this region can be divided into three stages: compaction and drainage, compaction and hydrocarbon expulsion and elastic compaction; The effect of differential compaction is not only affected by the type and content of sand and mud, but also by the paleogomorphology; Different types of favorable traps can be formed by the combination of differential compaction and lithology, regional structure and paleogeomorphology. The understanding of differential compaction and favorable trap types is beneficial to the deep exploration of oil and gas resources and the rational development of oil and gas reservoirs.