Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are RNA transcripts longer than 200 nt with no protein coding capacity. LncRNAs regulate gene expression at the epigenetic, transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels, and they are deeply involved in biological and pathological changes. Recent evidences have shown changed expression of lncRNAs in viral hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma, and that they play important roles in the development, progression and prognosis of hepatic cancer. This review focuses on the mechanism of lncRNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma and other liver diseases.