Microsoft just announced that Skype will officially shut down on May 5, 2025.
After 23 years of revolutionizing online communication, the platform that once had 300 million+ users is being retired.
What’s next? Teams.
Microsoft is asking users to migrate all their contacts and chat data to Microsoft Teams—their flagship communication platform that has now reached 320 million users.
Why now?
Skype’s growth has stagnated.
Teams has seen 4x growth in consumer calling minutes.
Microsoft execs say Teams is “ready” to take over, but one big feature will be missing—Skype’s phone-calling functionality (calling mobile/landline numbers).
For those still holding onto Skype credit, Microsoft will keep a Dial Pad available, but only while funds last.
The bottom line: Skype walked so Zoom, WhatsApp, and Teams could run. But now, it’s time to say goodbye.