Why one key is not enough: The case for Key-Per-Track encryption 

Why one is not enough: The case for Key-Per-Track encryption 

Streaming services are experiencing unprecedented growth, with audiences expecting flawless playback across all devices and regions. However, this surge brings significant challenges: piracy, credential sharing, and unauthorised redistribution continue to erode revenue. Studios demand uncompromising security, while operators must deliver robust protection without compromising user experience.

The critical question is: How can premium content be secured effectively without introducing unnecessary complexity?

For years, traditional Digital Rights Management (DRM) has served as the industry’s primary safeguard. Yet, as threats evolve and media formats advance, conventional approaches are proving insufficient. The next major innovation is Key-Per-Track encryption, also known as multi-key encryption, a fundamental shift in how streaming content is protected.

What is Key-Per-Track encryption?

Traditional DRM typically uses a single master key to secure all components of a stream, video, audio, and subtitles. While simple, this model has a critical vulnerability: if the key is compromised, the entire content library becomes exposed.

Key-Per-Track encryption addresses this risk by assigning a unique key to each track, video, audio, and alternate language streams. This approach is comparable to securing every room in a house with its own lock; a breach in one area does not compromise the entire property.

For premium formats such as 4K and HDR, this method is not optional, it is essential. It meets studio compliance requirements, aligns with viewer expectations, and enables operators to maintain security without sacrificing performance.

Why leading providers are adopting Key-Per-Track encryption

• Enhanced protection against piracy
  Single-key systems are highly vulnerable; one leaked key can expose entire catalogues. Multi-key encryption significantly increases complexity for unauthorised reproduction.
• Flexible licensing and monetisation
  Multi-key workflows enable differentiated offerings, such as selling 4K streams separately from HD or providing exclusive audio commentary as a premium add-on.
  
• Improved localisation and personalisation
  Regional audio tracks, accessibility features, and personalised experiences can be managed independently, ensuring compliance while delivering tailored content to diverse audiences.
  
• Industry investment and growth
  Parks Associates announced that by the end of 2027, there will be a cumulative loss to piracy of $113 billion for streaming video providers in the US alone. 
• Future-ready for next-generation codecs
  Emerging formats such as AV1 and VVC (H.266) require efficient encryption methods. Multi-key workflows align seamlessly with these demands, ensuring secure playback without excessive bandwidth or processing overhead.

Addressing complexity

Implementing multi-key encryption introduces additional operational considerations, including increased computational overhead and DRM system upgrades. However, modern solutions, such as cloud-based DRM and advanced content delivery networks (CDNs), are mitigating these challenges. Complexity is real, but it is manageable.

How Velocix enables secure delivery

Velocix provides integrated solutions that support multi-key DRM workflows across Origin servers and CDNs. Our platform ensures:

• Protection of premium assets from unauthorised access
• Seamless playback, even with complex DRM configurations
• Scalable global delivery of 4K, HDR, and personalised streams

The result is a secure, high-performance delivery chain from origin to viewer.

Looking ahead

Streaming growth shows no signs of slowing, and neither do security threats. Key-Per-Track encryption offers a scalable, future-proof approach to combining robust DRM with flexible distribution. When paired with secure and reliable Origin and CDN solution such as Velocix, operators can stay ahead of piracy, meet studio compliance requirements, and unlock new monetisation opportunities, all without compromising quality.

Ready to strengthen your content security strategy? Contact Velocix to learn how our solutions support secure, scalable delivery with DRM integration and multi-key encryption workflows.

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