Skype, the pioneering video and voice calling platform, officially shut down on May 5, 2025, after 21 years of service. Acquired by Microsoft in 2011 for 8.5 billion dollars, Skype once revolutionized global communication with its free voice and video calls. However, over time, it faced stiff competition from platforms like Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams, leading to a decline in its user base.

During its peak, Skype boasted over 300 million monthly active users. By 2023, that number had dwindled to approximately 36 million daily users. Microsoft's decision to retire Skype aligns with its strategic shift towards Teams, which now serves as the company's primary communication platform. Users were given the option to migrate their contacts and chat data to Teams or export their information before the shutdown.

The end of Skype marks the conclusion of an era in digital communication, with many users expressing nostalgia for the platform's role in connecting people worldwide.