Abstract: A content streaming system and method are provided. A method at a client-side user device includes receiving a first content stream from a first content source via a communication network. The first content stream includes a sequence of content segments and the user device outputs the first content stream for consumption by a user. Responsive to receiving a change instruction associated with a user preference, output of the first content stream is paused and output of a replacement content item is commenced. The replacement content item is obtained from a second content source. Output of the first content stream is automatically recommenced. In one embodiment, the replacement content item has a limited duration and output of the first content stream is automatically recommenced upon completion of output of the replacement content item.