A method of streaming multimedia data over a network to a client device is provided. At least one playlist file is downloaded using a transfer protocol, such as HLS, from a streaming server over the network for a selected multimedia presentation. The client device subscribes to an update event notification service with the streaming server or an intermediate server with respect to the at least one playlist file for the selected multimedia presentation and then listens for an update event notification. Only when such a notification is transmitted by the streaming server or the intermediate server to the client device is an updated version of the at least one playlist file downloaded by the client device from the streaming server over the network using the transfer protocol.