When Microsoft spent $8.5 billion to acquire Skype last year, it was only a matter of time before the tech giant would want a return on its investment.
That might be part of the reason some Skype users may notice some changes to their conversations in the coming months.
Wednesday Skype announced the launch of new "conversation ads" that will be displayed within the calling window of users who do not have Skype credit or when they are making Skype-to-Skype audio calls.
"You should think of Conversation Ads as a way for Skype to generate fun interactivity between your circle of friends and family and the brands you care about," Sandhya Venkatachalam, Skype's generation manager and vice president of advertising and monetization, said in a statement. "Ultimately, we believe this will help make Skype a more engaging and useful place to have your conversations each and every day."
The new ads will display on Skype for Windows users first in 55 markets across the globe. Skype said the ads will be silent.