Skype Shuts Down After 22 Years Of Service

After almost 22 years of connecting people around the world, Skype has officially shut down on May 5, 2025, bringing an end to one of the earliest and most influential internet communication platforms.

Skype was launched in 2003 and quickly became a game-changer in the way people made voice and video calls across borders. At its peak during the mid-2010s, the platform had over 300 million monthly users and was a favorite for long-distance conversations long before the rise of newer tools like Zoom or FaceTime.

In 2011, Microsoft bought Skype for \$8.5 billion, hoping to make it a key part of its communication services. However, over time, competitors such as WhatsApp, Zoom, and even Microsoft’s own Teams became more popular. This shift in user preference led to a steady decline in Skype’s usage.

On February 28, Microsoft announced that Skype would be officially retired on May 5. The company explained that the move was part of a strategy to simplify its services and focus more on Teams for communication and collaboration.

The shutdown affects both free and paid users, although Skype for Business will still be available for now. Microsoft has advised users to start using Teams by visiting skype.com and selecting the “Start using Teams” option. They reassured users that existing chats and contacts can be accessed in Teams using the same login information.

Microsoft has also given users until January 2026 to download or transfer their Skype data before it is permanently deleted.

In a message shared on social media, Skype stated: “Teams for free offers: seamless chat and calling experience, enhanced video meetings, and secure file sharing and cloud storage. If you use Skype, your chats and contacts will migrate.”

As Skype says goodbye, many users reflect on its role in transforming digital communication over the past two decades.

Send Us A Press Statement Advertise With Us Contact Us

 And For More Nigerian News Visit GWG.NG