Skype is a software that connects people across the globe through conversations. Millions of individuals and businesses rely on Skype to make free one-on-one and group video or voice calls, send instant messages, and share files with others. You can use Skype on the device that suits you best, whether it’s your mobile, computer, or tablet.
The silent death of a piece of software and solution which was once a while the standard in any organization and for web calling. I remember very well when I downloaded Skype for the first time back in early 2010—a robust IP-based communication tool that made voice calls possible from the computer. While Skype was going through a couple of transitions and was acquired last by Microsoft, it seems now the time has come to say goodbye. Microsoft announced that it would shut down Skype by May 2025.
Even in 2019, Skype was recognized as the sixth most-downloaded mobile app of the decade, spanning from 2010 to 2019. In 2024 Skype still had a market share of 13.4% in unified communications and most of its users in the US.
2024, Skype was celebrating its official 20st Birthday. So, a valid question came up: What is next? Joel Oleson, Director of Microsoft National Practice, already looked back in April 2020 into the question of how Skype and Microsoft Teams coexist in a single environment or whether it requires migration from one or the other.
The Evolution of Microsoft Teams
Another milestone happened in August 2007, Microsoft purchased Parlano and its persistent group chat product, MindAlign. Later, on March 4, 2016, Microsoft considered acquiring Slack for $8 billion, but Bill Gates opposed the purchase, advocating instead for the enhancement of Skype for Business.
Microsoft Teams was eventually developed as a comprehensive collaboration tool within the Microsoft 365 family. It integrates workspace chat, video conferencing, file storage, and third-party application support. Over time, Teams replaced previous Microsoft collaboration platforms, including Skype for Business and Microsoft Classroom.
Microsoft officially retired Skype for Business Online on July 31, 2021. This retirement was announced in July 2019, providing customers with a two-year transition period to prepare for their upgrade to Microsoft Teams.
To support this transition, Microsoft has made resources and guidance available to help organizations plan and implement a smooth migration to Teams. Notably, this change does not impact the Skype consumer service, which remains unaffected at this time.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Microsoft Teams, alongside Zoom, Slack, and Google Meet, gained significant traction as remote work and virtual meetings became the norm. As of January 2023, Teams boasted approximately 280 million monthly users.
Moving from Skype to Microsoft Teams
The way we communicate has evolved significantly over the years. From instant messaging to video calls, technology has continuously transformed how we connect.
To streamline our free consumer communication services and better adapt to customer needs, Skype will be retired in May 2025. Microsoft is shifting focus to Microsoft Teams (free), a modern communications and collaboration hub.
Teams provides users with many of the same core features available in Skype, such as one-on-one and group calls, messaging, and file sharing. Additionally, Teams offers enhanced capabilities, including hosting meetings, managing calendars, and building or joining communities—all for free.
Hundreds of millions of people already rely on Teams as their central platform for communication, keeping them connected at work, school, and home. Over the past two years, the number of minutes spent in meetings by consumer users of Teams has increased fourfold, demonstrating the platform’s growing role in everyday communication and collaboration.
“As we move forward with Teams, we’re excited about the opportunities ahead.”, says Jeff Teper, President, Collaborative Apps and Platforms at Microsoft. To ensure a seamless transition, users will be able to log into Teams using their Skype account, making it easier than ever to stay connected.
What’s Next for Skype Users
During this transition period, Skype users have two options:
- Move to Microsoft Teams for free. Over the coming days, Skype users will be able to sign into Teams (free) on any supported device using their Skype credentials. This rollout begins today for those in both the Teams and Skype Insider programs. By logging into Teams with a Skype account, chats and contacts will automatically sync, allowing users to seamlessly continue their conversations.
During this transition, Teams users can call and chat with Skype users, and vice versa, ensuring uninterrupted communication across platforms.
- Export your Skype data. If users choose not to migrate to Teams, they can export their Skype data, including chat history, contacts, and call logs.
Skype will remain available until May 5, 2025, giving users time to explore Teams and decide which option best suits their needs.
How to Get Started with Teams for Free
Moving to Teams is easy and does not prevent users from continuing to use Skype during the transition period.
To get started:
- Download Teams on your device from the official Microsoft Teams website.
- Log in using your Skype credentials.
- Start using Teams with all Skype chats and contacts seamlessly transferred.
For further assistance, a step-by-step guide is available to help users transition smoothly and make the most of Teams’ features.
Changes to Skype Paid Offerings
Going forward, Microsoft will no longer offer paid Skype features to new customers, including Skype Credit and subscriptions for international and domestic calling.
- Current Skype subscription users can continue using their Skype Credits and subscriptions until the end of their next renewal period.
- Skype Credit users can continue using their remaining balance.
- After May 5, 2025, the Skype Dial Pad will remain available to existing paid users through the Skype web portal and within Teams.
Thank You for Being Part of Skype
Skype has played a significant role in modern communication, enabling countless meaningful connections. We are grateful for the journey we’ve shared with our users.
We understand that change can be challenging, but we are committed to supporting you through this transition. Microsoft Teams offers new opportunities for communication and collaboration, and we look forward to helping you stay connected in even more meaningful ways.
Jeff Teper
President, Collaborative Apps and Platforms
Before we say goodbye, let us have a look at the history of the success story, Skype.
Recent Comments