Since its inception in 2003, Skype has been one of the most popular VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services in the world. In 2010, it was acquired by Microsoft for $8.5 billion.
In the years since Skype has continued to grow in popularity and now has over 300 million monthly active users. So, how much is Skype worth now?
This is a difficult question to answer, as Skype is not a publicly traded company. However, we can look at Microsoft’s most recent annual report to get an idea of Skype’s value. In the 2016 fiscal year, Skype generated $2.2 billion in revenue and had an operating income of $361 million.
Assuming that Skype has maintained a similar growth rate since then, we can estimate that its value has increased to somewhere between $10-12 billion.
How Does Skype Make Money?
Skype has a variety of revenue streams, the most important of which are subscriptions, calling, and advertising.
Subscriptions: Skype offers a variety of subscription plans that give users access to premium features such as unlimited calling and group video calling.
Calling: Skype users can make voice and video calls to other Skype users for free. However, calls to landlines and mobile phones incur a small fee.
Advertising: Skype also generates revenue through advertising. Ads are displayed in the Skype interface and can be targeted to users based on their location and interests.
What’s Next for Skype?
Looking ahead, it seems likely that Skype will continue to be a key part of Microsoft’s growth strategy. The company has been investing heavily in artificial intelligence and has plans to integrate Skype with its Cortana digital assistant.
This could make Skype even more indispensable for users in the years to come.
Also Read: Telegram Net Worth
Skype App: At a Glance
| Company Name | Skype Technologies (Microsoft) |
| App Name | Skype |
| Founders | Priit Kasesalu and Jaan Tallinn |
| Year of Founding | 2003 |
| Products | Instant Messaging, Calling |
| Worth | $10-12 Billion |
Is Skype free of cost?
Yes, Skype to Skype calling is free. However, calls to landlines and mobile phones incur a small fee.
How long can you Skype for free?
If you’re wondering how long you can Skype for free, the answer is: it depends. Skype offers a variety of subscription plans, and the amount of time you can use the service for free varies depending on which plan you choose.
The Skype Basic plan is free and gives you unlimited Skype-to-Skype calls and instant messaging. However, you can only call landlines and mobiles for a limited time (60 minutes per month), and you can’t use certain features, like group video calling.
If you need more than the Basic plan offers, you can choose from a variety of paid subscription plans. The Skype Unlimited plan, for example, gives you unlimited Skype-to-Skype calls and instant messaging, as well as the ability to call landlines and mobiles in over 60 countries.
What are Skype minutes?
In short, Skype minutes are the amount of time you can spend using Skype to make calls, send instant messages, or use other features. The number of Skype minutes you have depends on the Skype plan you’ve signed up for.
For example, the Skype Basic plan gives you 300 minutes of Skype time per month. That means you can use Skype for 5 hours per week, on average.
If you need more Skype minutes, you can always buy them in increments of 100, 500, or 1,000. Prices vary depending on the country you’re calling, but typically start at around $0.10 per minute.
Is Skype free to use UK?
Yes, Skype is free to use in the UK. You can use Skype to make free calls to other Skype users, or you can use it to call landlines and mobile phones for a low rate.
What are the disadvantages of Skype?
There are a few disadvantages of Skype that users should be aware of.
- Skype can be unreliable, and connections can be dropped
- There can be a delay in audio and video
- It can be difficult to find contacts
- It can be hard to hear the person you’re talking to
- The video quality can be poor
Does Skype work without Internet?
Yes, Skype can work without an Internet connection – sort of.
If you’re using Skype on your desktop, you can set it up to run through a local network without connecting to the internet. That way, as long as your computer is connected to the router, you can use Skype to call other Skype users on their computers or smartphones, even if they’re in another room of your house.
The same goes for if you’re using Skype on your smartphone and you have a strong enough cellular signal.
However, if you’re using Skype on your desktop and you want to call a landline or mobile phone, or if you’re using Skype on your smartphone and you want to call a landline or another mobile phone, you will need an internet connection to make those calls.
Can I merge Skype accounts?
If you have multiple Skype accounts, you may be wondering if you can merge them into one. The answer is yes! You can merge your Skype accounts by following these simple steps:
- Go to Skype.com and sign in to your account.
- Click on your name in the top-right corner and select “Settings.”
- Under the “Accounts” section, click on “Link another Skype account.”
- Enter the email address and password for the second Skype account you want to merge.
- Click “Link Account.”
Your Skype accounts are now merged! You can use either account to sign in, and all your contacts and credit will be available in both accounts.
Is Skype going to end?
It’s no secret that Skype has been on the decline in recent years. The once-popular VoIP service has been struggling to keep up with the likes of WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and even Apple’s FaceTime.
And now, it looks like Skype may finally be ready to throw in the towel.
Sources:
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/samshead/2019/08/21/the-skype-mafia-who-are-they-and-where-are-they-now/ – The Skype Mafia: Who Are They And Where Are They Now
- https://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/070915/how-skype-makes-money.asp/ – How Skype Makes Money
