The quirky ringer of Skype will no longer echo later this year as Microsoft announced this week it is retiring the two-decade-old video calling and communication platform.
“The way we communicate has evolved significantly over the years. From instant messaging to video calls, technology has continuously transformed how we connect with each other,” Teper wrote. “In order to streamline our free consumer communications offerings so we can more easily adapt to customer needs, we will be retiring Skype in May 2025 to focus on Microsoft Teams (free), our modern communications and collaboration hub.”
This announcement follows years of Skype being a primary choice for online audio and video calling, particularly in the earlier days of internet-based communication.
Skype was introduced in 2003, quickly gaining prominence and becoming synonymous with virtual calls for millions worldwide.
Yet in recent years, competing services such as Zoom, Google’s Meet, and Apple’s FaceTime have seen rapid user adoption, overshadowing Skype’s once dominant presence.
Zoom reported sharp increases in daily meeting participants beginning in 2020, and FaceTime’s native integration on Apple devices made it a staple for personal and group conversations.
These shifts have contributed to Skype’s gradual decline, prompting Microsoft to consolidate its communication services under one streamlined platform.
Microsoft Teams already offers many of the same features that made Skype popular, including one-on-one and group calls, messaging, and file sharing.
In addition, the platform provides hosting for virtual meetings, options to manage calendars, and tools for building online communities. Microsoft indicates that during the transition period, Skype users can still communicate with Teams users, and Teams users can do the same with Skype users, ensuring continued connectivity.
“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,” Teper said, acknowledging the service’s legacy. “We also understand that change can be challenging and want you to know that we’re here to support you every step of the way. We’re excited about the new opportunities that Teams brings and are committed to helping you stay connected in new and meaningful ways.”
However, the company stresses that the focus now is on the single, unified platform of Teams, which aligns with Microsoft’s push to integrate services more efficiently. Users who do not wish to migrate to Teams can export their Skype data, including contacts and call histories, before Skype’s final closure date.
Microsoft’s transition plan aims to support users through the move, which marks the end of an era in internet communication.
