"End of an era": Internet reacts as Skype set to shut down in May after 21 years

Microsoft acquired Skype in 2011. It has now officially announced that the internet calling service platform will shut down on May 5, 2025, as reported by CNBC.

After more than two decades of service, Skype is making way for Microsoft Teams, its advanced successor with more robust features. The decision marks the end of a platform that revolutionized free internet calls. It notably changed how people interacted across borders.

However, reports suggest that Skype’s user base has steadily declined in recent years. Existing users can transition to Teams using their current credentials, with contacts and chat history automatically transferred. Those who choose not to migrate can export their Skype data before the shutdown.

In an official blog post, Microsoft stated,

"In order to streamline our free consumer communications offerings so we can more easily adapt to customer needs, we will be retiring Skype in May 2025 to focus on Microsoft Teams (free), our modern communications and collaboration hub."

It also added,

"With Teams, users have access to many of the same core features they use in Skype, such as one-on-one calls and group calls, messaging, and file sharing. Additionally, Teams offers enhanced features like hosting meetings, managing calendars, and building and joining communities for free."

Shedding some light on the paid features of Skype, Microsoft mentioned,

"Moving forward, we will no longer offer paid Skype features to new customers, including Skype Credit and subscriptions that allow you to make and receive international and domestic calls. Current Skype subscription users can continue to use their Skype Credits and subscriptions until the end of their next renewal period."

It continues,

"Skype Credit users can also continue to use their remaining Skype Credit. After May 5, 2025, the Skype Dial Pad will be available to remaining paid users from the Skype web portal and within Teams."

The blog was written by Jeff Teper, President of Microsoft's Collaborative Apps and Platforms.

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Netizens react as Microsoft is closing down Skype

Pop Base took to its official X (formerly Twitter) handle to share the news of Skype being shut down in May 2025. The post read,

"Skype have announced they are shutting down in May."

Skype users were quick to chime in on the comment section of the post with their thoughts. Below are what some of them had to remark as Skype is coming close to its closure:

"Gonna miss when "skyping" was a thing. End of an era", declared an X user.

"Another early internet legend bites the dust", remarked another.

"RIP Skype. I guess when pretty much everyone can do video chat now, you’re nothing special.", noted a third.

On May 5, 2025, Skype will ring for the last time.

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