Microsoft Abandons Filling Skype with News Feeds, Plans to Remove All Ads to Attract Users

Skype is a well-known communication software under Microsoft. This software can be used to send messages between friends, and also to recharge and make Internet calls. Skype was very popular at least 5 to 10 years ago (for example, Windows 8 phone activation used to use Skype to call Microsoft's free activation phone).

However, as each software team has its revenue KPIs, Skype later introduced numerous ads, notably incorporating MSN news content into the app, allowing users to access news and information within Skype while funneling traffic to MSN and Bing.

In an unexpected move, the Skype team announced that upcoming versions will remove all in-app advertisements, including MSN feed content and other banner ads, to ensure a smoother, cleaner, and more enjoyable user experience.

The detailed future plans of the Skype team are still unclear, as removing ads signifies a reduction in revenue streams. Nonetheless, Skype must remain profitable to avoid marginalization and shutdown (a situation it is arguably already facing).

One potential strategy could be the introduction of a membership scheme. Previous updates have integrated Microsoft Copilot and AI-based image generation features into Skype, which could encourage users to subscribe to Copilot Pro as a new revenue avenue.

Starting today, the Skype Insider version has eliminated all ads. Interested users can download the beta version from the Skype community to experience these features, which are considered "functions" rather than ads.

Other improvements include support for OneAuth login in future Skype for Windows versions, simplifying the entire login process. This feature is already available on Skype for iOS/Android, with desktop versions soon to follow.