In 460, the user device 210 transmits a request for a media playlist. For example, as the video player of the user device 210 executes the multimedia data corresponding to the second event playlist, the user device 210 may be triggered to request more content corresponding to the selected VOD program.

In 465, the video stream DCIO manager 222 transmits a VOD playlist to the user device 210. The VOD playlist may correspond to multimedia data for subclip 140, DCIO 110, subclip 150, DCIO 120, subclip 160, DCIO 130 and subclip 170. Accordingly, to ensure that the streaming service 220 provides fast video stream startup while operating in accordance with HLS protocol, the streaming service 220 may initially provide one or more event playlists in response to a request for VOD content. Subsequently, the event stream may be converted into a VOD stream. From the perspective of the HLS protocol, the conversion may be facilitated by including a tag in the VOD playlist that indicates to the video player of the user device 210 that the continuous request for event playlists may be terminated.

As indicated in 325-335 of the method 300, a second event playlist may not be transmitted. That is, the streaming service 220 may decide to provide the VOD playlist after transmitting the first event playlist. This decision may be based on any of a variety of different factors including, but not limited to, receiving an indication that the DCIOs 110, 120, 130 have been filled, the expiration of a timer, an estimated revenue, receiving an indication that a predetermined number of video advertisements are scheduled to be included in the video stream 102, etc.