The Youth Cinema Network comprises 26 youth film festivals, 18 organisations and freelancers from five continents. They have joined together to form the Youth Cinema Network to exchange knowledge, best practices and information. The YCN maintains a database of film and media educators and youth film festivals, organises an annual conference for members and promotes partnerships and collaborations. The network advocates for young filmmaking at an international level by fostering intercultural dialogue, developing international strategies and showcasing best practices locally. It also supports the distribution of films made by young people by presenting the YCN Award and providing member festivals and organisations with opportunities to establish partnerships and exchange films. Members meet annually at the YCN Conference, which takes place in a different location each year. In 2024, the conference was held at the FiSH Film Festival in Rostock.

The FiSH Film Festival Rostock is a long-standing member of the Youth Cinema Network.