In this study, we review the state-of-the-art advances in lasers based on the waveguide platforms. Optical waveguides with different structures can be prepared by femtosecond laser direct writing, ion implantation, and ion exchange, and optical waveguides based on different laser crystals can achieve laser output at different wavelength. Combined with the nonlinear modulation of the saturable absorber, Q-switched or mode-locked waveguide lasers can be further realized. Waveguide lasers are expected to play an important role in future integrated photonic systems. In order to further promote the development of waveguide lasers, several aspects remain to be further explored. For example, in order to realize continuous mode-locked lasers based on the waveguide platforms, laser crystals with a large laser emission cross section can be used as the gain medium, a smaller-sized waveguide can be prepared to reduce the laser mode size, and the waveguide preparation process can be optimized to reduce the loss of waveguides. Researchers can also try to find low-dimensional material saturable absorbers with better performance, and add dispersion compensation elements in the laser cavity. In addition, the pulsed laser output in the visible light band based on the waveguide platforms is of great significance and is also a research hotspot in the future laser field.