Skype to shut down in May 2025, Microsoft shifts focus to Teams

Image: Microsoft

Microsoft has announced that Skype, the once-dominant video-calling service, will be retired in May 2025. The company will now focus on Microsoft Teams as its primary communication platform. Skype, launched in 2003 and acquired by Microsoft in 2011 for $8.5 billion, played a pivotal role in popularizing free computer-to-computer voice and video calls. However, its user base has dwindled in recent years as competitors like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger gained prominence.

The move comes as Microsoft aims to streamline its consumer communication offerings. According to a company blog post, Microsoft Teams offers the same core features as Skype, such as one-on-one and group calls, messaging, and file sharing, along with enhanced features like meeting hosting and calendar management. The company cited a fourfold increase in meeting minutes among consumer Teams users in the past two years, reflecting the platform's growing popularity.

Skype users are now being offered two options: migrate to Microsoft Teams using their existing Skype credentials, which will automatically transfer their chats and contacts, or export their Skype data, including chats, contacts, and call history. Microsoft is facilitating a transition period where Teams and Skype users can communicate with each other across platforms. Paid Skype features will no longer be offered to new customers, though existing subscribers can continue using their services until their next renewal.

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