What happens when you give young people the chance to tell their own stories, in their own voices, with their own creativity and perspective? You get fresh ideas, authentic content and videos that make you pause while scrolling. That’s exactly what we’re seeing with the EYCA Young Creators programme, launched this year to put young people at the centre of our communications.

The programme brings together ten enthusiastic volunteers from across Europe, giving them the tools, the platform and the freedom to create short, engaging videos on the topics they care about most. It was designed to boost EYCA’s online presence while ensuring that young people remain directly involved in shaping the conversation. From the start, we knew that the most impactful content comes from young people themselves. Past campaigns proved that authentic voices connect best, and with this programme we’re making that approach a long-term part of our strategy.

The goal is simple: keep young people in the lead and create a steady flow of relatable stories from diverse perspectives across Europe.

Who’s behind the camera

Our Young Creators team brings together a mix of experiences and backgrounds:

• one representative from the EYCA Youth Panel
• one participant in a European Solidarity Corps project
• eight European Youth Cardholders selected through an open call

This combination allows us to showcase different realities, cultures and ways of seeing Europe, making the stories richer and more engaging.

How it all started

The programme began with an in-person training in Paris, where the Young Creators met for the first time. Over two inspiring days filled with brainstorming sessions, video workshops and, of course, a few croissant breaks, they explored what makes a good story, learnt filming techniques and started shaping their ideas.

Since then, the team has been busy producing content - videos that are clever, funny, inspiring and personal. From tips on travelling and finding the best youth discounts to reflections on volunteering, culture, sustainability and navigating life in Europe, every piece tells a different story. That diversity is exactly what makes the programme special.

The programme in action

Each Young Creator is producing:

• five short videos, up to one minute, ideal for Instagram Reels and TikTok
• one longer vlog-style video, around five minutes, offering a deeper look into their personal stories and experiences

The videos are shared on EYCA’s social media as well as the creators’ own channels, reaching wider audiences and sparking conversations across Europe. Whenever possible, they also work closely with local EYCA member organisations, creating joint content and increasing visibility both locally and internationally.

The topics they cover are broad but always relevant to young people’s lives and closely connected to EYCA’s mission of supporting youth mobility, culture, learning and participation.

More than just videos

The programme goes beyond content creation. The Young Creators are also becoming part of the wider EYCA community. They’ve already joined several EYCA events, cameras in hand, capturing behind-the-scenes moments and sharing their own perspective on what happens there. From large conferences to smaller member meet-ups, they’re helping us show EYCA’s work through fresh, creative lenses.

And this is only the beginning. Over the coming months, the Young Creators will keep experimenting, filming and sharing their stories, from hidden cultural gems across Europe to honest takes on mental health, housing, mobility and the opportunities available to young people today.

One of the creators even made a personal video blog about our time together in Paris, a little peek behind the scenes of the training, the laughs, and the moments that made those days unforgettable.You can watch it below here.

And if you are curious to see what the rest of the Young Creators have been up to, check out our Instagram and discover their stories. Trust us, this is just the beginning.