Skype launched in 2003 and added video functionality to calls in 2005, a major innovation at the time.
Skype, the long-standing communications platform by Microsoft, has officially come to an end after more than 20 years of connecting users through internet calls.
Back in February, Microsoft had announced the impending closure of Skype, with a set retirement date of May 5, 2025. This move was part of Microsoft’s strategy to consolidate its various communication applications.
According to Microsoft’s press release in February, the decision to retire Skype in 2025 was made in order to focus on their modern communications and collaboration hub, Microsoft Teams (free version). This shift is aimed at better meeting the evolving needs of customers by streamlining their free consumer communications offerings.
Skype launched in 2003 and added video functionality to calls in 2005, a major innovation at the time. Microsoft acquired it in 2011 for $8.5 billion. The company is now directing users to transition to Microsoft Teams, which offers similar functionality including calls, messaging and file sharing, while adding features like meeting hosting, calendar management and community building.
Skype users will be able to log into Teams using the same user credentials.
Microsoft cited significant growth in Teams usage, noting that “the number of minutes spent in meetings by consumer users of Teams has grown 4X” over the past two years.
“Skype has been an integral part of shaping modern communications and supporting countless meaningful moments, and we are honored to have been part of the journey,” Microsoft acknowledged in its announcement.
The company has also discontinued all paid Skype features, including Skype Credit and subscription-based international and domestic calling plans, though existing subscribers can continue using their credits until their next renewal period.
