A method is provided for delivering a streaming media asset to a client device. For the method, a request is received over a communication network from a client device for playing a media asset in accordance with a streaming media technique. Prior to fully authorizing the client device to play the media asset, the client device is provided with access to a first cryptographic key that decrypts a subset of the media asset so that the client device is able to render the subset of the media asset before completion of the authorization. The subset of the media asset is less than all of the media asset. Subsequent to successfully fully authorizing the client device to play the media asset, the client is provided with access to at least one additional cryptographic key that decrypts a remainder of the media asset.