The gut virome, an essential component of the intestinal microbiome, constitutes approximately 0.1% of the total microbial biomass but contains a far greater number of particles than bacteria, with phages making up 90%-95% of this virome. This review systematically examines the developmental patterns of the gut virome, focusing on factors influencing its composition, including diet, environment, host genetics, and immunity. Additionally, it explores the gut virome's associations with various diseases, its interactions with gut bacteria and the immune system, and its emerging clinical applications.