Skype for Android has reached a significant milestone. The communication app has joined rivals WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger by crossing one billion downloads. Of course, this is a major goal to have passed, but it is worth breaking down to understand the situation.
Firstly, there is no doubt WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger are more popular than Skype. Both the Facebook-owned services passed one billion download some time ago, while both have more active monthly and daily users.
Indeed, while Skype for Android has been downloaded this many times, one billion is not an accurate number for active users. Microsoft announced at Build 2016 that Skype had 300 million monthly active users.
Of course, a lot of time has passed since Build 2016, but not 700 million more users time. So, the take away is that most users who have downloaded Skype for Android are not using it. Either way, one billion downloads is an excellent milestone.
Speaking of WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger, the latter has one billion monthly active users and WhatsApp has one billion daily active users.
Arguably the biggest news from this is that users are still downloading Skype. Of course, the app is not as popular as its rivals, but Microsoft recently launched a complete overhaul. This was a controversial update that has caused problems for users.
It does not seem to have stopped people downloading the app. It is always worth mentioning that Skype is not a direct messaging app like Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp. It also brings SMS support, Skype numbers, translation, and more.
Skype for Business
On the hand, Skype for Business has thrived and is the biggest workplace chat solution on the market. Microsoft has increased its dominant position in that market with the introduction of Microsoft Teams.
Since the launch and success of Teams, Microsoft has started the process of folding Skype for Business into the platform.
