The invention discloses a magnetic ball chain and a preparation method thereof. The component of the magnetic ball chain is spinel type ferrite and is of a one-dimensional hollow or porous chain structure, the diameter is 0.24-1.60 micrometers, the chain length is 1.25-11.3 micrometers, the length-diameter ratio is 1.23-10.2, and the specific surface area is 1.42-57.8 m<2>.g<-1>. The magnetic ball chain is prepared by adopting a magnetic field induction solvent hot method, particularly, metal salt, a surface active agent and ethylene glycol are stirred in a lining of polytetrafluoroethylene, ethidene diamine is added into the lining, the mixture is mixed and stirred for 1-2 h, the lining is placed into a stainless steel kettle, 1-2 high-temperature powerful magnets are placed on the bottom or top of the lining, a reaction is performed for 6-24 h at the temperature of 210-240 DEG C, water and ethyl alcohol are used for centrifugal and magnetic separation and washing after cooling, and finally drying is performed. The raw materials are cheap and easy to obtain, and the magnetic ball chain is low in cost, simple in technology, high in efficiency and easy to popularize. The magnetic ball chain has the advantages that the size and composition are adjustable and the like, and can be applied to magneto-rheological, magnetic separation, catalysis, electrode materials, microwave absorption and high-density magnetic recording materials.