Abstract: An online retailer may post content to a third-party web site to offer content items for sale. A user may view or preview the posted content items, and may select an item to purchase. Payment for the item may be initiated independently of any interaction of the user with a web site hosted by the online retailer. An account with the online retailer may automatically be created and credited with the purchase; alternatively, the purchase can be credited to a previously established account. The payment may be processed via an online payment processor independent of the online retailer and the third party. The item may be a digital streaming video or any other suitable type of content item. After the payment is processed, the user's computer may be authorized to permit playback through the third-party web site or on a web site hosted by the online retailer.