A dynamic watermark generation method and system in which the dynamic watermark may have a default length or a shorter length, and wherein the dynamic watermark is generated to have the determined length. The dynamic watermark is a locally-unique code that is used as an index to a database entry that identifies the subscriber that requested the media asset. In some instances, the entry may include a timestamp, a subscriber device identifier such as a MAC address or IP address, a subscriber identifier or ID number, and a media asset identifier such as a static ID. The static ID may include a code that indicates whether the dynamic watermark is of a default length or shorter. The length of the dynamic watermark may be partly based upon projected audience size for the requested media asset.