A pioneer in internet calls, this messaging service will close its doors from May 5. It will be replaced by Microsoft Teams.
A page is turning in the history of the Internet. The Skype application will close permanently from May 5 after more than 20 years of existence, its owner, Microsoft, announced to the media The Verge. The end of an era.
Launched in 2003, this service allowed its users to communicate via messaging and, above all, to make free voice calls via the Internet. A revolution, while unlimited mobile plans were still rare and expensive. The platform quickly gained popularity and achieved considerable notoriety across the globe. So much so that the giant Microsoft bought the social network in 2011 for 8.5 billion dollars. Two years later, Skype absorbed Microsoft’s very popular messaging service, MSN.
But, aging, the platform is struggling to renew itself. New messaging services like WhatsApp or Messenger ( META ) are stealing the show. In 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic could have been a godsend for Skype to get a makeover. But group video calling tools like Zoom and Teams (also owned by Microsoft) for professionals, or WhatsApp for individuals, have become established.
Starting in May 2025, Skype will no longer be available. Over the coming days you can sign in to Microsoft Teams Free with your Skype account to stay connected with all your chats and contacts. Thank you for being part of Skype pic.twitter.com/EZ2wJLOQ1a
— Skype (@Skype) February 28, 2025“Skype users will have control, they will have choice,” explains Jeff Teper, president of collaborative applications and platforms at Microsoft 365, in an interview with The Verge. “They can automatically migrate to Microsoft Teams, or they can export their conversation history,” he adds.
Those who don’t want to move to Teams will be able to save all their Skype data, including their photos or conversation history. Others will automatically find their contacts (if they have also migrated), their call logs and their conversations on Teams.
For 60 days, it will be possible to send messages to your Skype contacts via the Teams platform, until the last nostalgic people leave the platform.
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