Skype Shuts Down After 20 Years

TECH

By Aniket Chakraborty May 3, 2025 Arrow

Microsoft announced Skype’s retirement to streamline its communications offerings in favor of its workplace giant, Teams.

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Launched in 2003, Skype was a revolutionary platform that made free global computer-to-computer calls possible.

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At its peak, Skype had 150 million monthly users and was so popular it became a verb for video calling.

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Skype couldn’t keep pace with competitors like Zoom and Slack, especially during the remote work boom.

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Experts say Microsoft prioritized Teams over Skype, shifting focus to integrated office communication tools.

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Skype’s nostalgic sounds and friendly interface once made video calling feel personal, lively, and warm.

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Millions still rely on Skype for low-cost international calls, sparking concerns about digital migration to Teams.

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Despite its decline, Skype remains a symbol of a time when technology brought distant hearts closer together.

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As Skype fades away, it leaves behind a legacy of connection, innovation, and emotional resonance in digital history.

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