Applications instead of Skype. What are the analogues of Skype. Videotelephony on Facebook

The Skype platform is not the last in the rating of instant messengers in terms of popularity. However, recent updates to the service have begun to repel users. There is a need to search for new messengers. Is there a worthy alternative to Skype?

There are also disadvantages

According to statistics from Analysis Mason, 79% of all web users use the messenger. Unfortunately, the constant updating of the service has ceased to contribute to the growth of popularity, but on the contrary, the mark is declining along with a gradual increase in negative reviews.

What shortcomings did users begin to identify?

• Skype has deprived subscribers of the function of sending a video letter to several subscribers and the ability to send audio messages.
• You can no longer save the audio clip in the device memory.
• It is not possible to cancel sent video messages, unlike text messages.
• Information about users is transferred to the authorities.

Worthy alternative

So, how to replace Skype? There are a lot of programs like Skype. Which of them are worthy of attention? Consider the most famous.

Unified Google Service

The corporation has recently combined all its services into one system called Google Hangouts. What does it include?

• gtalk chat,
• mail service Gmail,
• video calling service Google Voice.

To use the system, you do not need to install additional software - just download the extension from the Google Chrome browser store.

This alternative is available in a limited number of states. However, as you can see, the developer does not stand still, which means that the offer can be expanded.

Viber

The purple design of this program is familiar to almost everyone. The main advantage of the messenger is that it can be installed on PCs, tablets and smartphones with any kind of OS.

Calls to other Viber accounts are free, as they are made over the Internet. There is a variant of calls to mobile phones on which the program is not installed, as well as to landlines. This happens through the Viber Out service - the tariff is quite low and less than that of Skype. However, this feature is currently available for gadgets on iOS and Android. Manufacturers promise that the function will soon appear in the version that is installed on the computer.

Unlike Skype, there are no annoying ads in Viber. Thus, this is a very promising replacement for Skype.

ooVoo

Another free messenger and far from the last in the ranking. It can replace Skype almost completely. In addition, the program contains additional features.

ooVoo Benefits:

1. The quality of video and sound is much higher.
2. The ability to fully deploy the conversation on the entire diagonal of the monitor.
3. Convenient and intuitive interface.
4. The function of simultaneously viewing the same video remotely from each other. So, you can watch a movie and simultaneously discuss it during the broadcast in the chat.

The minus of the program is the limitation on the number of participants in group communication (no more than 12 people).

It is more reliable to download the utility from the official resource at the link: http://www.oovoo.com/Download-oovoo. The program is installed on most devices.

VSee

This is a Skype-like option that focuses on more functional video communication: medical examinations at a distance along with the transmission of ultrasounds, x-rays, surgical fluoroscopes and other things online.

The messenger is the best suited for everyday communication: here, with a smaller amount of transmitted data, the quality of sound and video is higher. This means that the 3G connection on a mobile device is sufficient to communicate with people. There is some traffic saving. However, the picture does not freeze.

VSee is a universal simple tool that is effective for communication between people at the household level and for holding scientific conferences, medical examinations and other important purposes.

jitsi

The application is not very popular, but it is easy to handle. On a computer, you can communicate using this program, but mobile versions are still being tested.

The interface of the official resource is only in English. Address: https://jitsi.org.

The application is available for Windows, Mac, Ubuntu, Linux. Like VSee, the program offers high call quality along with a slow connection. Separately, it is worth noting the level of security - it is extremely difficult to decrypt the transmitted data.

This option is suitable for owners of Apple products. Its users note that the program clearly synchronizes the picture and sound with excellent quality of the two parameters.

The application is simple. This is both its plus and minus at the same time: it does not have nice additional features, like in ooVoo, for example.

Bleep

It is a cross-platform alternative to Skype from BitTorrent. Simplified registration stands out among the advantages, or rather, almost its absence: to start working, it is enough to specify a login.

Supports all types of communication: chats, calls with audio and video, file sharing. Plus, it's securely encrypted.

You can download it on the official website of the manufacturer: http://www.bleep.pm. Versions are available for the most popular PC OS and portable devices.

Tox

Tox is a newcomer to the messenger market, which is still under development. However, this did not stop him from acquiring the full set of functions that is available in Skype, so this is an excellent answer to the question: "What can replace Skype?".

The advantage is increased security. Communication is established directly between subscribers, bypassing the centralized transmission and storage of data.

Among the shortcomings, one can single out a flaw in cross-platform: TOX users often face difficulties if they communicate through different devices.

Also, each user is assigned a Tox ID - a long code of letters and numbers that is difficult to remember. This is not very convenient, although the usual login can be obtained if you register on the site.

The installer can be downloaded from the website: https://tox.chat.

Application from the South Korean manufacturer. It was originally created for communication within the country. However, it has spread all over the world.

CacaoTalk supports any platform and all types of communication:

• text messages,
• video communication,
• audio communication,
• exchange files of various categories.

Since user data is processed in South Korea, the application may experience delays. There is also no Russian version of the program.

You can download the program here: http://www.kakao.com/talk.

Slow Internet is not a hindrance to work with this program. Available for all operating systems and devices, including Linux and Blackberry. Supports IPv6, a new version of the IP protocol. A significant plus is the recording of calls with high video and audio resolution.

Although the design of the program is quite simple, it is more popular among "techies".

This Skype substitute also has an official resource: http://www.linphone.org.

This alternative server program is equipped with all the features of Skype and additionally offers:

• Fast file sharing.
• High quality sound and picture.
• Video conferences with a large number of participants.
• Work both in the local network and on the Internet.
• Improved interface for personal correspondence. At the same time, it is possible to quickly transfer messages from correspondence to a private channel.
• Independent choice of encryption mechanism and the ability to connect servers to each other.
• Message notifications on a special key located on the taskbar.

Whether it's regular communication goals or corporate ones, the application copes with the tasks.
The official resource where you can find the details: http://www.commfort.com/ru/.

Products that replace Skype are no worse than the "founding father" of video communication, whatever his contribution to the development of IP telephony. In some moments, other messengers are even better, given their additional features.

Skype is one of the first computer programs that allowed users to make video calls on mobile devices. In recent years, competitive analogues of Skype have been developed. You can download the best of the applications from us. They will compete with the mobile and desktop versions of Skype.

Here are the participants of the review - full-fledged analogues of Skype:

Viber app: a cross-platform replacement for Skype

Already loved by many, the most popular Viber program has been downloaded by more than 7 million users worldwide. It is the most famous and worthy replacement for Skype. In addition to a huge community, the Viber application has the functions of an Internet messenger with the ability to attach audio and video files, as well as voice messages, location data of an object, contact information and a wide variety of emoticons. Among the additional features of the Viber messenger are group chats (up to 200 people).

This program has both regular and video calls, while in good quality, according to the developers - in HD. Thanks to Push notifications, you will not miss a Viber call even when the device is turned off. Among other things, the application has such elements of a social network as public chats of famous people and magazines, etc., has support for the Android Wear system.

Thus, Viber is a successful analogue of Skype for a computer and a mobile platform (iOS and Android). Thanks to new features and following trends, Viber manages to compete with Skype. Not surprisingly, Viber's audience growth has only accelerated in recent years (at the moment, the messenger's audience is about 600 million users).

Messenger Google Hangouts

Google Hangouts is a kind of alternative to FaceTime, present in the Android OS. For iOS, there is a corresponding mobile version of the program.

Admittedly, the alternative is not so bad. The application allows you to exchange messages and videos in real time. What is attractive about Hangouts is that it is cross-platform and tied to a Google account. Accordingly, Hangouts integrates perfectly not only on Android, but also on Mac. Essentially, Hangouts replaces the Google Talk chatting feature found in Gmail and Google+.

The Google Hangouts app for Android is more than simple. It establishes a direct connection between two interlocutors, similar to Skype. Like Skype, you can send other users text and voice messages in Hangouts, which will be available to them later, if these users are offline. In addition, group chats are supported.

As for using Hangouts as a replacement for Skype, yes, that makes sense. In some situations, the Google program consumes less traffic and behaves more predictably, does not interrupt the connection (however, sometimes hangouts experience disconnections, but these are extreme cases). Voice calls via Google Hangouts are completely free, just like Skype.

If you have an Android phone, you need to connect a Google account - this is a bridge between many services, including Hangouts. The application imports contacts from the address book and allows you to export back. In principle, Skype offers the same during installation.

So Hangouts is a good Skype alternative with tight Google integration by default.

Google Voice - Skype replacement for landline calls and SMS

Google Voice is a client for VoIP-telephony with the functions of incoming/outgoing calls, SMS messages, voice mail.

In 2017, the developers of Google Voice remembered that the client had not been updated for a long time and was significantly behind Skype and other instant messengers. Therefore, the first major update has been released in the last 5 (!) years. This came as a surprise to many users of the program and service.

First of all, Google Voice has got a user-friendly interface. The web client and mobile application for Android and iOS received a modern design, light colors, a tabbed interface, convenient for working with messages, calls, and voice mail. The exchange of SMS messages is similar to other instant messengers, messages grouped by topics are available for each contact.

There are also new features in Google Voice. Supports photo sharing, MMS, quick response function available through the notification panel. Voice messages can only be transcribed for English and Spanish.

The Google Voice service provides users with a virtual number, similar to landline phones (and programs like Skype). You can call virtual and real numbers, make outgoing calls. Voice is still the only application with voicemail functionality and textual transcription of voicemail.

Thus, Google Voice is a curious alternative to Skype. With the latest update, there's something to think about, especially if you're using Skype to call landlines and send SMS.

By the way, the Voice application is integrated into, so both applications can be used in conjunction.

Line for Android is a free alternative to Skype

LINE is another super popular messenger and probably a good replacement for Skype for desktop and mobile platforms. The quality indicator is a broad community of > 6 million people.

Mobile analogue of Skype - LINE

By the way, LINE Corporation has developed an excellent camera for Android - B612. We recommend this application to replace the standard camera shell.

The Line program for Android includes a messenger with a large number of emoticons and stickers, audio and video calls, as well as a news feed for each user. With the help of the latter, you can share interesting moments from your life with friends using text messages, music, photos and videos, and even map locations. Users of the LINE program can subscribe to the news feeds of other people, including various celebrities, bloggers and others. There are no such functions even in Skype itself.

Thus, in the "face" of Line, we get an attractive analogue of Skype with a dozen unique features.

Line messenger is available for various devices: smartphones, tablets and desktop solutions (although the app was originally developed for Android and iOS). The Line Camera mobile application can be downloaded for Android for free from the link below.

WhatsApp (WhatsApp for Android)

The final contributor to the review is Facebook's own messenger called WhatsApp. This iconic and popular messaging app is one of the few apps in history to boast over one billion downloads. WhatsApp is one of the most popular services in the history of the Web.

Using whatsapp messenger you can chat as well as create group chats. This application uses all the features of Material Design. Over time, the developers of WhatsApp for Android have been slowly ramping up all sorts of communication features over the past few years, and the drive only seems to be growing.

Definitely, WhatsApp is one of the best messengers in general for Android. A kind of replacement for Skype (another one, on a par with Viber).

imo video calls and chat

The mobile application "imo Video calls and chat" has two main functions: text messaging with the ability to transfer multimedia files and voice messages, as well as audio and video calls. At the same time, there are many additional features, such as sending emoticons and stickers, creating group chats or joint video conferences. It is noteworthy that the entire history of correspondence is stored on the developers' server and can be accessed from any other device in your personal account.

Zello walkie-talkie - another program for communication like Skype

First of all, it should be noted that there is no possibility to make video calls in the Zello walkie-talkie application, which is why it is inferior to other analogues of Skype. However, the main advantage of this application is the function of audio conferences with up to 1000 subscribers. At the same time, you can create your own password-protected audio channel, track the online status of other users, use a Bluetooth headset, and view your message history.

Tango: video calls for free

An excellent video chatting app, Tango has a number of key features. Audio and video calls, correspondence using messages, including in group chats, as well as the ability to use emoticons and stickers, change the status of your profile. Like the LINE app, Tango for Android has a news feed for each user, the ability to comment on posts and photos, and share them.

Tango as an alternative to boring Skype

An interesting feature of the program "Tango: video calls for free" is the presence of mini-games that can be played directly during a conversation with an interlocutor. Therefore, the function of turning on / off video recording during a call will be relevant.

Summing up

We looked at six advanced programs like Skype. Of course, all analogues of Skype - each in one way or another - have their own advantages and disadvantages. Among the leaders are Viber and LINE, whose multi-million audience speaks for the quality of these applications. Most of the programs mentioned have some social networking features that are not available in Skype itself. The unusual Zello walkie-talkie is great for users who want to save on regular calls and allows you to create mass conferences. The creation of Google - Hangouts is widely cross-platform, that is, it is supported on almost any mobile device, laptop and home PC, which significantly expands the circle of users' communication. Depending on the listed properties, you can choose how to replace Skype, in accordance with your requirements.

A couple of years ago it was impossible to talk about an alternative to Skype - a program for video calls. However, today you can download other applications on the Internet that will be easier to run on weak PCs, not be updated without permission, and not fail when switching from one tab to another. Let's consider analogs of Skype and their advantages.

ooVoo - video chat software

ooVoo is a free app that allows you to organize video chats with up to 12 people each. The advantage of such a program over Skype is the absence of lags with a weak Internet. The program also has the function of exchanging text messages, files, pictures, stickers. That is, it is in no way inferior to the popular Skype. At the same time, it should be noted that ooVoo takes up less space on the PC.

Whatsapp with video calling support

Probably only a child does not know about the WhatsApp program. This is a popular messenger that appeared simultaneously with touch phones. And if earlier the video calls function was available only for devices with the iSO operating system, then from the end of 2016, users of other popular platforms can also call via WhatsApp. Including Windows.

Talky is a new analogue of Skype

The Talky program is still young. It is designed for gadgets that run on the basis of iSO. To use it on Windows 7 and above, you should use a browser. However, the advantage of Talky over Skype is that you can organize a video chat for up to 15 people at the same time for free for an unlimited time of communication. At the same time, Talky allows you to capture an image not only from the camera, but also from the screen. This means that demonstrating to other participants what is happening on your display is quite real and simple.

WeChat is a video calling service for Windows 10 and MAC

WeChat is a popular Chinese service that has an English interface. Until recently, it only worked on Android and iSO. However, in 2016, it received support for MAC and Windows 10. Using this application, you can organize video calls, chat, transfer files of various formats.

Viber is my favorite calling service.

With the installation of Viber, many PC users have a number of difficulties. However, this does not affect the popularity of this application. With the help of Viber, you can send various files to your interlocutor, call mobile phones and even organize video calls. The program is completely free. It differs from Skype in rather rare updates that are not downloaded without the knowledge of users.

ICQ - old-timer for video communication

Initially, ISQ was developed exclusively for text correspondence. However, as its popularity grew, this application began to receive many other useful features. In addition to transferring files and attaching stickers, making calls to a mobile phone, the program received a video calling function. Since the program is familiar and convenient to everyone, there are no problems with its use.

Gem4Me is the easiest messenger in the world

Not much is known about Gem4Me. This is a popular messenger in Europe and America, which appeared 2 years ago and already has 1 million downloads on Google Play. With this application, a person can call, write, organize video conferences and even send money. The program has high-quality protection against hacking. Developed in Switzerland. Distributed free of charge.

Hangouts is a simple video conferencing program.

A program for communicating on the network, with which you can send text messages, files, call mobile phones, organize video conferences. The program is designed for browsers. Works on both MAC and ISO.

In addition to the programs listed above, there are others on the network that can be a great alternative to Skype.

Skype is not perfect. It doesn't handle video conferences of more than two people well, transmits poor quality video, and is generally more suitable for friendly conversations than for serious office collaboration. H&F has selected the best online conferencing services with tons of useful business features.

TokBox was born as a free video conferencing service, but having failed to make money on it, it was reborn into a new, more interesting project - OpenTok. It is an API service that allows you to embed a group video chat on any website, social network page or mobile application. Supports up to several thousand viewers simultaneously and up to 20 video streams on one page. The creators of OpenTok hoped that the service would be in demand in industries such as remote learning, online commerce and collaboration systems. Why is it convenient? Because video chat integrates into an already existing space and there is no need to send customers, readers and colleagues to another site to talk to them. For example, instead of writing a question to an online store consultant, you can immediately talk to him. This may be more time consuming for the customer support, but it builds more trust in the store and allows you to establish warmer relationships with customers. In addition to organizing video conferencing, OpenTok allows you to send text messages, record videos, and much more. Two interesting facts: firstly, one of the founders of TokBox was Sergey Fage (who then moved to Russia and headed Ostrovok.ru together with Kirill Maharinsky), secondly, OpenTok collaborates with DoubleRobotics, who came up with an ominously beautiful robot for the office ( watch the video on their website, you won't regret it). The service has a per-minute billing. Up to 25,000 minutes per month are free, up to 75,000 cost $250, and so on.

Probably the most famous web conferencing service was created in 2004 by Citrix Systems Corporation. Up to 25 people can participate in an online meeting at the same time, who can connect from almost any device (Mac, PC, iPad, iPhone, Android). In addition to communication, the service makes it possible to work together with materials. The conference organizer can provide remote access to his desktop or a separate document, in which conference participants can make changes in real time. You can draw, highlight areas with color and, of course, write text messages. The working session will be recorded. Compared to Skype, the picture and sound quality is very high. GoToMeeting automatically detects and highlights the window of the currently speaking person. To invite someone to participate in a video conference, you can simply send a link to it by mail. No special registration is required from participants. The most obvious application of the service is the joint remote work of the team. But there are other possible functions: for example, using it in the helpdesk. If a client wants to complain about a site, he can give the site owner access to his desktop so that he can see and fix the error on the spot. An annual subscription to the service costs $468.

A more informal, but absolutely free service that allows you to conduct video conferences with several participants, the number of which cannot exceed 12 people. Works on any platform: Windows, Mac, Android. In addition to video calls, it allows you to record and send video, text messages, files up to 25 MB in size. It is especially convenient that the recording can be uploaded to YouTube with almost one click. During a video call, you can make participants see the document or presentation that is currently open on the presenter's desktop. By registering with ooVoo, you can enter your Facebook username and password, and then the contact list is automatically synchronized with the list of friends in FB, whom you can invite to “chat”. An interesting feature is the “video chat room”, which you can add to your website, blog or social network. The room widget automatically fits into the site design. Rooms can, for example, be used to communicate with colleagues, readers of your blog, or serve customers of an online store.

Google+Hangouts allows you to organize communication in the format of group video conferences. With this service, you can hold business meetings, webinars and just chat in video chats. In a video meeting, you can show other participants what's happening on your computer screen by sharing any open application window. Participants can also share Google Drive files, write meeting notes together, and jot down ideas on a shared whiteboard. Hangouts is integrated with Google Calendar so that users can schedule video calls using the calendar. You can join them by clicking on the link from the event and even from the reminder. Up to 10 people can participate in the meeting at the same time. The "live video call" function allows you to organize a broadcast for a wide audience, but the number of participants in the meeting still cannot exceed 10. Users who start a video meeting can invite individuals or circles from Google+, or a combination of the two. Everything is convenient, pleasant, minimalistic - in general, in the style of Google.

The main competitor of GoToMeeting, which is clearly ahead of it in some respects, belongs to Cisco. The functions are largely similar: the same maximum number of participants - 25 people (for the Meeting Center service), access from any device, the ability to collaborate on documents and desktop, text messages and files. The meeting can be recorded and then uploaded to a server so that those unable to participate can watch it. There is integration with Outlook. The service allows you to hold meetings, trainings, brainstorming sessions, and make presentations for clients. Conference participants do not need to pre-install the software on their computers: the required modules will be installed automatically upon entering the conference. Upon launch, each user will have the WebEx Meeting Manager application window open, displaying the document being shown by the presenter, the list of participants, the instant messaging window, and the panel displaying webcams. It is believed that the WebEx interface is more intuitive than GoToMeeting, and the call quality is more stable. Among the shortcomings, one can single out some inequality of the interlocutors. There are three different roles in a web conference: owner, presenter, and participants. Participants appear in the conference mainly as passive spectators, although they have some opportunities for interactive communication. The participant can only ask for the floor by giving a signal with a "raised hand", request remote access to the displayed document from the speaker and participate in polls. Meetings for three are free, other accounts cost between $24 and $89 per month depending on the number of discussion owners and participants.

Today it is starting to lose its popularity, especially after it was bought by Microsoft and ads began to be shown inside the program.

With the advent of Skype in 2003, we can say for sure that the world has changed, as a free alternative to voice calls using the Internet has appeared. Voice over IP (VoIP) in 2003 became a kind of revolution and proved to all mobile operators that in addition to them there are opportunities to communicate, moreover, for free. By the way, it was in 2003 that a serious reduction in the cost of communication began for all mobile operators.

Skype was the first, that's why it's so popular and we respect that. But, nevertheless, there are many working and functional alternatives that can replace Skype and give you new opportunities for video conferencing and chatting with your friends. First of all, we perceive Skype as a messenger for VoIP telephony, and not as a program for exchanging text messages. Therefore, let's look at all the possible alternatives to Skype, in terms of video and voice calls (VoIP telephony).

VoIP is an abbreviation in English that stands for Voice over IP, literally “voice over IP”.

What can replace Skype?

A few years ago, it was very difficult to find a convenient VoIP client that would work both on a desktop computer and on a mobile device. Today, almost all developers create mobile versions for their programs, which allow you to easily communicate with friends through your mobile device or desktop computer, while using only one account. In a word, progress and global mobilization are doing their job, and many thanks to him for that!

The first alternative to Skype is Viber

Most likely the most popular replacement for traditional Skype, it is with this purple program that we will begin our review.

Supports all modern mobile and non-mobile communication devices. We will not list the entire list, I will simply note that it works on Nokia, Blackberry phones and similar platforms that are not very common. I am silent about Android and iOS, since it was under these operating systems that Viber was developed at the very beginning of its journey.

Viber can be used in 3G networks, as well as using any Wi-Fi connection. You can easily put it on all devices: computer, phone, tablet and use one account.

Calls to other Viber accounts are completely free, the main thing is that there is an Internet connection. If you want to call landline or mobile numbers, then the Viber Out service is suitable for you - the tariff is quite low and, as I understand it, less than that of Skype. So far, Viber Out only works on iOS and Android, but soon this service will be added to the desktop computer.

And another feature that makes Viber stand out from Skype is that there are no ads.

The second alternative to Skype is ooVoo

An Israeli startup that has been conquering the VoIP client market for several years. As written on the developer's website, ooVoo works at all: Android smartphones, Android tablets, iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, Mac, Windows Phone and, of course, Windows personal computers.

Possibilities:

• Video conference for 12 people;
• Ability to call landlines. To do this, you need to buy ooVoo credits;
• Standard text messaging;
• While talking with friends, you can simultaneously show them YouTube videos (Only works on PC);
• Send and receive photos, files;
• Recording a conversation on a voice recorder, with subsequent saving.

ooVoo has patented Superclear technology to deliver high quality video and crystal clear sound. The video is really transmitted in good quality, but we did not do any tests and comparisons with Skype, so it's hard to say which program gives the best quality.

Unlike Viber, the free version has ads, so in this regard, programulina is not quite an alternative to Skype. When paying for a Premium account, there will be no ads. For my part, I understand the developers, because it is necessary to pay for the work of programmers and develop the program, so I am not against advertising, especially since the free version of ooVoo has full functionality.

Statistics:

• To date, 100 million people have registered in the program, how many of them are active is not known;
• 65% of users are under 25;
• 47% of male users and 53% of females;
• Registered users from 130 countries. The most users in the United States, the fastest growth shows in Canada, the UK, Japan and other South Asian countries;
• 1 billion hours of calls per month.

The third Skype replacement is VSee

So we got to the third alternative - Vsee. To be honest, until today I have not heard about this program, but when I began to study the issue of popular VoIP clients, it turned out that VSee is quite popular and a lot of people use it.

Video communication and the general operation of the program are very similar to Skype. But interestingly, the VSee data transfer method allows you to transfer video in very high quality with a smaller amount of transmitted information, this also applies to sound. VSee is ideal for those who constantly use video calls on their phone using 3G internet. Savings will be on the face, especially if you pay for the Internet by megabytes.

VSee is a simple and secure video conferencing program that can create so-called "video bridges" between countries and different groups of people with one click.

VSee positions itself as a universal means of contacting people at a distance. They are developing a program for tight integration with medical devices, there are opportunities to do examinations of clients remotely, by transmitting ultrasounds, x-rays, surgical fluoroscopes and the like online, right during the examination.

It is used by charitable organizations in Rwanda, Indonesia and Syria, in a word, where there is very poor communication, but you need to use video communication with scientists, doctors, etc.

Load comparison of VSee with Skype

More options

Below are a few more programs to replace Skype, you can test them and see the functionality, maybe they will suit you better than our choice (Viber, ooVoo and VSee).

• Google Hangouts is a service from Google that is especially handy for video conferencing. Each participant must have a Google ID to sign in to Google Hangouts;
• UberConference - a specialized service for video communication with social integration for Western social networks;
• TokBox is a useful service for webmasters that allows you to create live online broadcasts directly on the site;
• Jitsi is a good alternative to Skype, has similar capabilities for instant text and voice messaging;
• Facetime - This program can be called "Skype for Mac". Apple offers a FaceTime service that is free and fully compatible with Mac/iPhone devices;
• Tinychat is a very simple service, no registration required. Provides video conferencing for up to 12 people at the same time.

I hope this list of programs and services will be able to show you the wider possibilities of video communication, those that Skype gave did not exist. You should not get hung up on one program, as happened with Skype - there are a huge number of similar programs, without ads, with a convenient interface and fast speed.

Speaking about myself, I use Skype for work, as many colleagues use it, and I also have Viber on my tablet and computer - a very convenient tandem that suits me completely. But I feel that soon Skype will lose its positions very much, and it is still visible, especially if you look at my contacts a year ago and now - before 90% used Skype, now probably 60% Skype and about 30% use Viber.