Microsoft is retiring once-popular video app Skype to focus on Teams

Microsoft is doing away with its once-popular video conference application Skype, the company announced Friday.

"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," said Jeff Teper, President, Collaborative Apps and Platforms, in a blog post on Microsoft's website.

Teper noted that with Teams, users have access to many of the same features as 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," Teper said in the blog post.

Microsoft said that during this transition period, users will have the choice to either move to Microsoft Teams for free, or export their data from Skype.

"Skype will remain available until May 5, 2025, giving users time to explore Teams and decide on the option that works best for them," Microsoft said in the blog post.

Gabe Hauari is a national trending news reporter at USA TODAY. You can follow him on X @GabeHauari or email him at Gdhauari@gannett.com.