RIP Skype: The OG Video Chat App Is Finally Getting Shut Down

If you’re still using Skype, first of all—how? Second of all, you’re going to want to pay attention. Microsoft has officially confirmed that Skype will be retired in May 2025. That’s right. After more than two decades of “Can you hear me now?” and frozen video calls, Skype is heading off into the digital sunset.

Now, before you panic—this doesn’t apply to Skype for Business. That’s still a thing (for now). But regular Skype users? Time to start packing up your chat history and waving goodbye to your once-trusty app.

From $8.5 Billion to 23 Million Users

Microsoft acquired Skype way back in 2011 for a whopping $8.5 billion, when the platform was booming with over 150 million users. It was the go-to tool for long-distance calls, awkward group meetings, and that one time you accidentally video-called your boss instead of messaging them.

But by 2020, Skype got hit hard. While the pandemic sent Zoom into orbit, its usage tanked to just 23 million. Why? Well, turns out it wasn’t really built for the smartphone era. Its tech struggled to keep up with mobile-first communication, and by the time it tried to play catch-up, it was already left behind.

Microsoft Teams Is the Future (Apparently)

Microsoft first dropped the shutdown news in February 2024, stating the decision was part of an effort to streamline communication tools and better adapt to modern user needs. In short: Teams is the new favorite child.

For those being forced to migrate, there’s some good news—your existing Skype login will work with Microsoft Teams Free, which offers most of the core features and then some. But if Teams isn’t your vibe (understandable), you’ll be able to export your data—just make sure you do it before January 2026, because after that, it’s gone forever.

Final Thoughts: End of an Era

Skype may not be what it once was, but let’s be honest—it changed how we communicated. From shaky calls with your grandma to awkward first dates that never made it off the video screen, it was the video call app for a generation. And now? It’s signing off for good.

Whether you feel a pang of nostalgia or you’re just now realizing Skype still existed, one thing’s for sure: it had a good run from 2003 to 2025. Not bad for an app that once ruled the internet before FaceTime and Zoom took the crown.