Microsoft has announced that it will shut down Skype, the internet-based phone and video service, in May 2025. The company shared the news on its X handle on Friday, stating that Skype will no longer be available after that time. Users will be able to sign in to Microsoft Teams Free with their Skype account in the coming days to stay connected with their contacts and chats.
Skype was once a dominant service in the mid-2000s, allowing users to make free calls worldwide, and was acquired by Microsoft in 2011 for $8.5 billion. Microsoft integrated Skype into its products, including Office and the now-defunct Windows Phone. However, in recent years, Skype’s popularity has waned, even as other video conferencing services like Zoom, Google Meet, and Cisco WebEx saw significant growth, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The service has also faced competition from apps like Apple’s FaceTime and Meta’s WhatsApp, which offer similar functionality. Microsoft has heavily invested in Teams, which provides similar communication features, and has continued to shift focus to that platform.
Skype, which was originally launched in 2003 in Estonia, gained quick popularity and was acquired by eBay in 2005 for $2.6 billion. After a series of ownership changes, eBay sold its stake, and Skype was eventually purchased by Microsoft in 2011. The announcement marks the end of an era for Skype, which once revolutionized online communication.
