A method includes receiving, by a content distribution network server, a first request for content, the first request for content comprising an identifier of a location of the content. Playback of the requested content is caused to begin at a client device. A content-based authentication token generated by the client device is received, wherein the content-based authentication token is associated with a second request for content that is initiated by the client device, and the content-based authentication token is sent for verification by a content sharing platform. Responsive to receiving an indication that the content-based authentication token is valid, playback of the requested content is caused to continue at the client device.