A method for applying a shortcut to a streaming multimedia channel is described. The method includes receiving a request from an application of a portable device to generate an auto access identifier (ID) to a media channel that is currently being rendered on a main display. The request is associated with a user account and used by a streaming interface to facilitate rendering of the media channel. The method further includes identifying the media channel currently being rendered and user login data used to access the user account. The method includes generating control data for the auto access ID. The auto access ID is usable to instruct the streaming interface to return to the media channel at a later point in time. The method includes sending the auto access ID, by the streaming interface, to the application of the portable device.