Skype Shuts Down After Over Two Decades of Service

After more than 20 years of connecting people across the globe, Skype, the pioneering video calling platform, is officially shutting down. Microsoft, the owner of Skype, announced that the service will go offline permanently after this Monday.

Transition to Microsoft Teams

In a bid to shift users to its more modern communication platform, Microsoft recommended moving to the free version of Microsoft Teams, which offers similar video calling functionalities.

A Legacy of Connection

Jeff Teper, Microsoft's president of collaborative apps and platforms, expressed gratitude for Skype's role in enhancing communication. In a heartfelt blog post, he stated, "Skype has been an integral part of shaping modern communications and supporting countless meaningful moments."

The Rise and Fall of Skype

Founded in 2003 by visionary entrepreneurs Niklas Zennström and Janus Friis, Skype revolutionized communication by allowing users to make voice and video calls online—free of charge. Its popularity skyrocketed, reaching over 300 million users at its peak, as noted by the Washington Post.

A Bumpy Ride Through Ownership Changes

From its $2.6 billion acquisition by eBay in 2005 to its eventual sale to Microsoft, Skype's history is marked by significant ownership changes that shaped its direction. However, despite its early success, the app struggled to keep pace with fierce competition from platforms like Zoom, WhatsApp, and Slack.

Declining User Base

In a sobering indicator of its decline, Skype's user count plummeted from approximately 40 million in early 2020 to just 36 million by 2023. This drop highlights the challenges traditional platforms face in an increasingly competitive digital world.

Easing the Transition for Users

For those still using Skype, Microsoft has implemented a straightforward process to migrate chats and contacts directly to Teams, ensuring users can continue connecting with friends and colleagues without losing their data.