Microsoft has announced that it will officially shut down Skype on May 5, 2025, marking the end of an era for the once-popular video calling platform. The decision comes as the company shifts its focus to Microsoft Teams, a platform that offers expanded features beyond Skype’s traditional video and voice calls.
Skype, which Microsoft acquired for $8.5 billion in 2011, was once a dominant force in digital communication, boasting 300 million monthly users in 2016. However, its popularity has steadily declined, with only 36 million active users recorded in 2023. The rise of competing platforms, along with Microsoft’s push toward business-oriented solutions, contributed to Skype’s gradual phase-out.
Microsoft is assuring current Skype users that their chats, contacts, and call history will be transferred to Teams, making the transition as seamless as possible. Users can log into Teams using their existing Skype credentials and explore the additional features, which include enhanced video conferencing, meeting scheduling, and AI-powered tools.
For those with Skype monthly subscriptions, Microsoft has confirmed that these will be discontinued as part of the shutdown process. Users who rely on Skype for international calling and messaging are encouraged to explore Teams’ new functionalities before the deadline.
While Skype’s shutdown marks the end of a digital communication giant, Microsoft is positioning Teams as the future of its messaging and video calling services. The company has promised continued investment in AI-driven features to improve user experience, making Teams the primary platform for work, school, and personal communication.
For Skype users looking to export their data and get started with Teams, Microsoft has provided an official transition guide. With just a few months left before Skype officially goes offline, now is the time to make the switch.