Interlayer with poor organic matter is widely developed in continental organic-rich shale，but the role of interlayer in shale oil evaluation is unclear. Aiming at this problem，the characteristics of organic-poor interlayer in organic-rich shale are discussed and their roles in shale oil exploration are clarified on base of cored wells in Jiyang Depression and numerous stratigraphic and geochemical analysis and testing. The results show that the interlayers in organic-rich shale are different from those in conventional reservoirs and can be identified by conventional logging methods with a single layer thickness defined as 0.5-3 m. There are three types of interlayers including sandstone，limestone and dolomite interlayers in Jiyang Depression. The reservoir space of these interlayers is mainly composed of intergranular/intercrystalline pore，intergranular/intercrystalline microfracture and intragranular pore. The micropores in dolomite interlayer are the most developed and the pore-throat structure is the most favorable. Pores in sandstone interlayers are moderately developed，and pores in limestone interlayer are seldom developed. Interlayer is an effective reservoir for hydrocarbon storage because of its good physical properties and oil-bearing characteristics. The permeability of shale matrix decreases rapidly with the increase of overlying pressure，while the permeability of interlayer is less sensitive to pressure. The permeability of interlayer is much higher than that of shale matrix under formation conditions. Interlayer is an effective pathway for shale oil production. The enrichment of brittle minerals in interlayer is conducive to large-scale fracturing. And interlayer shale oil should be the first choice for shale oil exploration breakthrough in Jiyang Depression.