By Microsoft has officially announced that it will be shutting down Skype, the once-popular internet phone and video service, by May 2025. The announcement was made via a post on X (formerly Twitter), marking the end of an era for the platform that dominated online communication in the mid-2000s.
Users were informed that they will soon be able to transfer their log-in information to Microsoft Teams’ free version, offering them an alternative way to stay connected. Microsoft emphasized that Teams will serve as the new hub for personal and professional communication.
The decision to close Skype comes 14 years after Microsoft acquired the service for $8.5 billion in cash, making it the company’s largest purchase at the time. Despite its legacy, Skype gradually lost ground to newer competitors like Zoom, WhatsApp, and even Microsoft’s own Teams platform.
Once considered groundbreaking for making video calls mainstream, Skype’s influence had already faded in recent years as users embraced simpler and more mobile-friendly apps.
Microsoft said the move aligns with its broader strategy to consolidate communication tools under the Teams brand, which has gained widespread popularity since the pandemic.
While older users may feel nostalgic, Microsoft is betting that Teams can succeed where Skype struggled, creating a more unified and modern communication experience.
