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This paper provides an overview of rubber bitumen (RB) modification mechanisms, factors affecting storage stability, and characterization methods. The focus is on summarizing the methods to improve the storage stability of RB. Results indicate that the modification of RB primarily involves swelling and degradation. The settling velocity of crumb rubber (CR) is influenced by the particle size, density, and bitumen viscosity. To evaluate the storage stability of modified bitumen, widely applicable and preferred methods include softening point and rheological property tests. The storage stability of RB can be improved by increasing the swelling rate of CR, promoting crosslinking between CR and bitumen, and reducing CR agglomeration. Commonly used improvement methods include CR selection, the Terminal Blend (TB) curing process, adding modifiers, solubilization blending, the screw extrusion process (SEP), chemical reagent activation, and physical energy activation. The TB curing and SEP are more suitable for engineering-scale applications and yield improved results. However, high production temperatures may compromise the mechanical properties of CR, leading to drawbacks such as high energy consumption and environmental pollution, a problem requiring further exploration. Utilizing bitumen analogs rich in aromatic fractions as solubilizers for CR pretreatment has emerged as an effective option, offering advantages such as simplicity, resource conservation, and favorable improvements. Future research should focus on a deeper investigation of these processes. [Display omitted] • Methods to improve the compatibility of crumb rubber with bitumen are summarized. • Different characterization methods for storage stability are evaluated. • Reducing the crosslink density of rubber improves rubber bitumen storage stability. • Solubilization blending can be considered a sustainable and capable approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]