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‘End of an era’: Microsoft announces end of Skype, internet reminisces golden days

Microsoft is set to shut down Skype in May. The internet reacted with nostalgia, calling it the end of an era.

Published on: Feb 28, 2025, 21:36:42 IST
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Microsoft has announced that it will officially shut down Skype on May 5, 2025, replacing it with the free version of Microsoft Teams for consumers.

Microsoft announced Skype’s shutdown. Social media users reacted emotionally. (Reuters)
Microsoft announced Skype’s shutdown. Social media users reacted emotionally. (Reuters)

Existing Skype users will be able to log in to Microsoft Teams using their current credentials. Their message history, group chats, and contacts will be automatically available in Teams without the need to create a new account. For those who prefer to leave the platform, Microsoft is also offering an option to export their data.

Microsoft promises a seamless transition

Jeff Teper, president of Microsoft 365 collaborative apps and platforms, reassured users in an interview with The Verge, stating that Skype users will have full control over their transition.

“They can migrate their conversation history and their contacts out and move on if they want, or they can migrate to Teams,” said Teper.

Social media reacts: "End of an era"

The news of Skype’s shutdown has sparked an emotional reaction on social media, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), with users reminiscing about the platform’s golden days.

One user simply wrote, “End of an era,” while another added, “RIP Skype 2003-2025.”

For many, Skype was more than just a video-calling app—it was a connection to loved ones. One user shared, “RIP Skype. I grew up in the USVI away from all my family, so Skype was the only way I could see my grandparents, cousins, and everyone else. Thank you, Skype.”

Check out few posts here:

With Skype’s closure, Microsoft is shifting its focus to Teams, a platform that has gained immense popularity in recent years, especially during the pandemic. While some users welcome the transition, for many, Skype will always be remembered as the pioneer of internet-based video calls.

 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mahipal Singh Chouhan

Mahipal Singh Chouhan is a Senior Content Producer at Hindustan Times Digital, with nearly five years of experience in digital journalism and content production. He primarily covers offbeat, trending and human-interest stories, with a focus on emerging social media trends, online conversations and real-world incidents that capture public attention. At Hindustan Times, Mahipal works on identifying and developing fast-moving digital stories, adding context and journalistic perspective to viral moments while maintaining accuracy, clarity and readability for online audiences. Before joining Hindustan Times Digital, he was associated with DNA India, where he gained experience in newsroom workflows and digital storytelling. He holds a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the Vivekananda Institute of Professional Studies, Delhi. Beyond journalism, he has a keen interest in history and sports and enjoys expanding his general knowledge.

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