The format is comparable to the ISU Speed Skating World Cup, but only junior skaters (up until the season they turn 19) are allowed to enter.
Starting in the 2016–17 season, a competition for "neo-seniors" was added.
The first edition was held in the 2008–09 season with competition in five distances for both men (boys) and ladies (girls).
Since the 2014–15 season, the mass start is held over 10 laps for both men and ladies.
In November 2011, the ISU Junior World Cup Speed Skating was used as part of the qualification process for the speed skating at the 2012 Winter Youth Olympics.