Skype, the once-dominant video-calling service, will shut down in May, according to an announcement from its owner, Microsoft. The news marks the end of a platform that revolutionised online communication and connected millions worldwide.
Launched in 2003, Skype allowed users to make free voice and video calls over the internet, helping popularise digital communication. Though not the first service of its kind, its free computer-to-computer calls made it a household name. Microsoft acquired Skype in 2011 for $8.5 billion (£6.1 billion), its largest purchase at the time.
Following the announcement, Skype users were advised to transition to Microsoft Teams, which offers similar features. Microsoft has not publicly commented further on the decision.
For many, Skype was life-changing. Social media users reminisced about their experiences, with one describing it as a “fragment of adolescence.” Another user recalled using Skype to maintain a long-distance relationship, saying, “It was such an exciting invention at the time.”
Despite its past success, Skype struggled in recent years. Competition from WhatsApp, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams led to a decline in popularity. A controversial redesign in 2017 frustrated users, and by 2021, speculation grew that Microsoft was shifting focus to Teams. The Covid-19 pandemic further cemented Teams’ dominance in remote work and personal communication.
Microsoft stated that Skype’s core features are available on Teams, with additional tools for meetings, calendars, and community-building. Users can export their chat history or transition to Teams before Skype officially shuts down.
While its time has come to an end, Skype’s impact on modern communication is undeniable.
