Abstract: With Pb₂P₂O₇ as flux, Yb:YPO₄ orthophosphate crystals were grown spontaneously by high temperature solution method. The crystal structure and continuous wave (CW) laser test were measured and studied in detail. The CW laser action of the Yb:YPO₄ crystal is proven in a compact plano-concave resonator pumped by a diode. At about 1010 nm, when the output coupling transmittance is 5%, the maximum continuous wave output power produced is 0.36 W, the pump power is 2.19 W, and the light-light and slope efficiencies are 21.5% and 21.8%, respectively.