A method receives, by a processing device of a streaming server, a first request to view the media item from the client device via a connection between the client device and the streaming server. Prior to a verification that the client device is authorized to play the media item, the method provides an encrypted portion of the media item to the client device via the connection between the client device and the streaming server. Responsive to the verification that the client device is authorized to play the media item, the method sends, by the processing device via the connection between the client device and the streaming server, a cryptography key for decrypting the encrypted portion of the media item by the client device to facilitate the playback of the decrypted portion of the media item.