If you downloaded Skype when you went to college but have since abandoned it in favor of FaceTime, iMessage, or Slack, it's time to log back in.
Over the past few years, the messaging and video-calling app has added a host of new features that make it one of the best in the business. Where else can you add up to 25 people on a single video call and send files, photos, and videos of any size? Plus, you can now Skype with friends and coworkers regardless of whether they, too, have an account. Need to talk to a French researcher for a project or communicate with a colleague in Japan who doesn't speak English? Skype has an easy fix for that as well.
Ahead, seven hacks that will upgrade your messaging experience — from filters and hidden emoji to a very useful message-editing tool for when you wish you could turn back the clock.
Add A Filter
There are shades of Snapchat here, but don't worry — Skype isn't trying to be yet another place for Stories. Instead, Skype's filters are just there to add a bit of fun to your IM chat. To access them, start a conversation with a contact and tap the message bubble with the video camera along the bottom toolbar. Once you're in camera mode, select the wand icon in the top right and select one of the filters, which include everything from a completely pixelated screen to falling teddy bears.
Photo: Madeline Buxton.
Send A Moji
In addition to your standard emoji, Skype lets you spice up messages with Moji. Think of these as an amped-up version of a GIF. A Moji is a short movie or TV clip that includes sound. There are ones for Clueless, The Office, The Muppets, and more.
Photo: Madeline Buxton.
Edit A Message
Accidentally send a work contact something you meant to send elsewhere? No problem. You can easily remove a message by clicking the drop-down arrow to the right and selecting "remove" (on the app, hold down and press "delete") or edit a message that's been sent by right-clicking on it (on the app, hold down and select "edit").
Photo: Madeline Buxton.
Turn On Translations
Skype's translator tool might be its most valuable asset. While you can't use it on your phone (only Skype on Windows desktop, Skype for Web, and Skype Preview for Windows 10), it's still an incredible resource anytime you're speaking with someone who doesn't know your language. Tap the globe icon to turn the translator on; then, go to your contact's profile and select the language you'll be using in a chat or call.
IMs will instantly translate from one language to another; over video, you'll see translations on screen and through your headphones.
Photo: Madeline Buxton.
Access Hidden Emoji
Special keyboard shortcuts open a whole new world of secret Skype emoji. These include everything from a drunk face to rainbows to a dancing turkey (yes, really). Head here for the full list of shortcuts.
Photo: Madeline Buxton.
Search For Cheap Airfare
As with Facebook Messenger, there are plenty of bots within Skype that you can add as contacts. One of our favorites is Skyscanner, which brings the best of the cheap airfare app to your IM screen. Just message back and forth in a chat, entering details like where you'd like to travel, where you're traveling from, and your preferred dates — and the bot will pull up the cheapest options available.
Photo: Madeline Buxton.
Use Skype Without An Account
If a friend or coworker doesn't have an account, but you want them to join a video call, they can sign up as a guest. All you have to do is send them a link to the Skype chat, and they can click on that to access their account — and the call — for 24 hours.
Photo: Skype.
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