[Purpose/significance] This paper summarizes the empirical research on Altmetrics andpoints out the challenges,so as to promote its development. [Method/process] Using the literature review method,from the aspects of the classification of Altmetrics indicators,the correlation among the indicators,the availability of the indicators,the key influencing factors,and the evaluation model based on Altmetrics,this paper combs and analyzes the existing empirical research based on Altmetrics,and summarizes the research status of Altmetricsin scholarly communication and scientific research evaluation. [Result/conclusion] The challenges of Altmetrics in empirical research include four aspects: lacking a solid conceptual framework and theoretical basis,lacking unified understanding of the definition and the influence dimensions of Altmetrics,lacking user behavior and motivation analysis,and the issues of data quality and reliability. Through the summary,the paper points out that social media activities are not equal to social influence. In the process of evaluation,the citation index and Altmetrics indicators should be used cautiously.