Microsoft Announces Shutdown of Skype by May 2025, Users Directed to Teams

Skype’s Decline and Microsoft's Focus Shift
Skype, once a global leader in video calls and messaging, was acquired by Microsoft for $8.5 billion in 2011, marking the start of a new era for the platform. However, despite this acquisition, Skype failed to integrate effectively with Microsoft’s other services and saw its popularity diminish over time. As competitors like Discord gained traction with gaming communities, and Microsoft’s own Teams became more widely used in the workplace, Skype gradually fell behind.

Rise of Teams and Discord
The rise of Microsoft Teams as a primary tool for collaboration, especially in professional environments, and the increasing appeal of Discord among gamers, signaled the decline of Skype. The app’s inability to evolve with these new trends contributed to Microsoft’s decision to phase it out.

What’s Next for Skype Users?
Microsoft has announced that Skype will be discontinued by May 2025. A message from the company reminded users, “From May onwards, Skype will no longer be available. Continue your conversations and chats via Teams.” This directive signals that Skype users must transition to Microsoft Teams. However, the exact number of active Skype users remains unclear.

Official Announcement Awaited
While Microsoft has confirmed the shutdown, an official public announcement detailing the specifics is still pending. The date for this official statement is eagerly awaited, as the closure of Skype will affect a large number of users worldwide.