A method for providing access to media content is performed at a device with a processor and memory storing instructions for execution by the processor. The method includes receiving, from a client device, a request for access to a media item. The method further includes obtaining user information associated with a user identifier corresponding to the request. Obtaining the user information includes, if the user identifier corresponds to a first type of user identifier, retrieving the user information from a database; and if the user identifier corresponds to a second type of user identifier different from the first type of user identifier, extracting the user information from the user identifier. The method further includes performing a media access operation based on the request and the user information associated with the user identifier.