This patent document details, e.g., claims and systems for watermark decoding from streaming media signals. One claim recites an apparatus comprising: electronic memory for buffering a streaming media signal; one or more electronic processors programmed for: ranking buffered portions of the media signal in terms of their ability to hide steganographic indicia; detecting steganographic indicia from relatively higher-ranked portions of the streaming media signal before attempting to detect from relatively lower-ranked portions; and carrying out an action based at least in part on detection of the steganographic indicia. Of course, other claims and disclosure are provided too.