Skype Officially Discontinued After 22 Years of Service

After serving users for over two decades, Microsoft has officially shut down its popular video communication platform, Skype, as of today.

The decision marks the end of an era for one of the earliest and most recognisable names in online video calling. According to reports, the closure comes in light of the rising popularity and expanded functionality of Microsoft Teams, a more modern communication platform also developed by Microsoft.

Microsoft Teams incorporates many of the core features that made Skype popular, including individual and group video calls, instant messaging, and file sharing—all available for free. The platform has gained significant traction, especially among professionals and businesses, leading Microsoft to streamline its communication services under the Teams brand.

Skype, launched in 2003, played a pioneering role in transforming how people connect across the globe and became a household name in video calling during the 2000s. Its retirement marks a shift in how digital communication continues to evolve in favour of integrated, multi-purpose platforms.