After 23 years of connecting people around the world, Skype, the popular video-calling service, is shutting down. Microsoft, the parent company, has confirmed that the official sunset date for the service is May 5, 2025. This marks the end of an era for the platform that has been a staple in personal and professional communication.

Skype users have two options to consider before the shutdown: migrate all their contacts and chat data to Microsoft Teams or download their Skype data and transition to another video-calling service. To assist users in the switch, a guide has been created on how to migrate to Teams or download Skype data. Additionally, a list of alternative video-calling apps has been curated to replace Skype.

Microsoft Teams offers features similar to Skype, including one-on-one and group calls, messaging, and file sharing. While Skype was primarily designed for smaller groups (up to 20 participants) and casual use, Teams is more business-focused, accommodating up to 10,000 participants in a single video call. It also comes with advanced security features and various integrations, such as Evernote, OneDrive, Office 365, Salesforce, SharePoint, Trello, and more. Teams is available on Android, iOS, Mac, PC, and the web.

For users who aren't interested in making the transition to Microsoft Teams, exporting account data is still recommended. This ensures that valuable information — such as messages, files, and contact details — is backed up and can be accessed in the future. A step-by-step guide has been provided on how to export Skype data, including contacts, caller ID numbers, files, and chat history.

Several alternative video-calling apps are available to replace Skype, including Google Meet, Zoom, Webex, Discord, Slack, and Signal. Each of these platforms offers unique features and pricing plans, catering to different user needs and preferences. Google Meet, for instance, is available for free with a Google account and allows users to hold meetings with up to 100 participants. Zoom, on the other hand, offers several helpful features, including the ability to host up to 100 participants and chat in both private and public groups.

Webex, the Cisco-owned video conferencing tool, offers a similar plan to its competitors, with features such as screen sharing, the ability to record sessions, and a whiteboard capability. Discord, initially designed as a chat platform for gamers, can also serve as an alternative to Skype for personal use or for smaller teams. Slack, while not ideal for formally scheduled meetings with large groups, can be effective for spontaneous meetings within team chats.

Signal, the encrypted messaging app, has provided group video-calling features since 2020 and can accommodate up to 50 participants in a single call. Other similar apps for mobile users looking to video call with smaller groups include WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Apple FaceTime.

The shutdown of Skype marks a significant shift in the video conferencing landscape, with Microsoft Teams emerging as a prominent player. As users migrate to alternative platforms, it will be interesting to see how the market evolves and which services will come out on top.