Farewell to the Blue “S”: Microsoft Officially Phases Out Skype

Raise a toast to the legendary blue “S.” After over two decades of operation, Skype — the groundbreaking video-calling service that once epitomized digital communication — is officially being retired.

Starting May 5, Microsoft has initiated the shutdown of Skype, signaling the conclusion of an era for the application that became virtually synonymous with video chatting during the mid-2000s. First launched in 2003, Skype quickly garnered attention and was acquired by Microsoft in 2011 for $8.5 billion. At its height in the early 2010s, the platform had over 300 million active users.

However, Skype’s supremacy has gradually waned over the years. Messaging applications such as WhatsApp and Telegram eroded its user base, while the COVID-19 pandemic expedited the rise of Zoom as the preferred video conferencing solution. Simultaneously, Microsoft’s own Teams platform increasingly adopted Skype’s essential features, further reducing its significance.

In February, Microsoft officially announced Skype’s retirement, designating Teams as the new primary platform for video calls and messaging. The Skype homepage now redirects visitors to Teams, encouraging them to transition. Paying Skype users can migrate to Teams at no additional charge, and Microsoft has allowed users until January 2026 to retrieve their data before the service is completely terminated.

Skype joins a growing roster of once-groundbreaking tech innovations that have slipped into obsolescence. For many who grew up with the phrase “Skype me,” the app’s exit is a nostalgic and poignant occasion — a testament to how rapidly the digital world transforms.