A major chapter in the history of internet communication has officially closed.
Microsoft has shut down Skype, the once-revolutionary app that made voice and video calling accessible across the globe.
Launched in 2003 by Niklas Zennström and Janus Friis and built by Estonian developers, Skype quickly became a staple of global connectivity. Whether it was family video calls or international job interviews, “Skyping” became a verb, changing the way the world communicated.
Microsoft acquired Skype in 2011 for $8.5 billion, hoping to expand its communication footprint. But with the rise of Zoom, WhatsApp, Discord, and Microsoft’s own Teams, Skype’s popularity gradually declined. Daily active users had dwindled to 36 million by 2023 — a far cry from its early dominance.
Now, Microsoft has officially sunset Skype in favor of Microsoft Teams, a platform originally designed for corporate collaboration but now tailored for both work and personal communication.
What happens next for Skype users?
Microsoft has outlined a smooth transition:
- Login access: Skype users can sign in to Microsoft Teams using their Skype credentials.
- Data migration: Chat history and contact lists will be automatically transferred.
- Download option: Users have until January 2026 to download their data before it's permanently deleted.
However, some beloved features won’t make the move, including Skype Credit-based calls and free group video calls beyond 60 minutes.
Why Skype fell behind
Skype’s downfall wasn’t sudden. Even under eBay’s ownership in 2005 and later Microsoft’s, the platform struggled to keep pace with evolving user needs. A failed 2017 redesign, aimed at younger users, alienated its core base by introducing Snapchat-like features and overcomplicating the interface.
In contrast, Microsoft Teams has surged ahead, especially during the pandemic, with its seamless Microsoft 365 integration and growing appeal across workplaces and households alike.
A digital goodbye
Skype’s shutdown marks the end of a tool that shaped online communication for a generation. It connected long-distance families, made video job interviews the norm, and brought the world closer, one call at a time.
