28 Million Concurrent Users: Skype's Popularity Continues to Grow

Article by George Norman (Cybersecurity Editor)

on 18 Jan 2011

Wondering how popular Skype’s VoIP and IM application really is? It is so popular that in roughly one week, it managed to add another million to the number of concurrent Skype users. Roughly a week ago Skype was announcing to the world that that number of concurrent users on Skype has gone up to 27 million. About one week later, Skype is announcing that it now has a grand total of 28 million concurrent users.

“Almost exactly a week after we broke the 27 million barrier, we’ve done it again. At approximately 1800 GMT today, there were over 28 million people online on Skype at the same time – a new record,” announced Skype’s blogger-in-chief, Peter Parkes.

Skype’s popularity continues to grow at a steady pace and the numbers prove it. Back in November 2009, the number of Skype users signed in at any time (concurrent users) was of only 20 million. Then in November 2010, that number grew by a quarter, going up to 25 million. Three months later, at the start of January 2011, the number of concurrent users grew to 27 millions; then by mid-January, it went up to 28 million.

In related news, Skype has recently announced that it completed the acquisition of Qik, company that employs 60 people and specializes in providing mobile video software and services for capturing, instantly sharing, and preserving great moments on video. According to Tony Bates, Skype’s CEO, the acquisition will allow Skype to use Qik’s engineering expertise to optimize video transmission over wireless networks. The acquisition will help Skype to accelerate its leadership in video by adding recording, sharing and storing capabilities to its product portfolio.

“The combination of Qik’s products, services and employees, combined with those of Skype will enhance Skype’s offering in the mobile video space. We are excited about working together,” commented Tony Bates.


Latest News


Sony's 'Attack of the Blockbusters Sale' Slashes Prices in Half for a Ton of PS4 Games

17 Aug 2017

How Samsung's New T5 Compares to the Old T3 Portable SSD (Infographic)

17 Aug 2017

See all