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Amazon shuts down Chime, its Zoom alternative
Amazon is shutting down its Chime service, a competitor to Zoom and Google Meet, effective February 20, 2026. New accounts are no longer accepted as of February 19, 2025, and existing users can continue to use the service until shutdown. The move is due to low adoption rates since its launch in 2017, with Amazon transitioning to Zoom as its official meeting platform.
Key points
- Amazon has announced the shutdown of its video conferencing service, Chime.
- Chime will cease operations on February 20, 2026, with new account creation ending on February 19, 2025.
- Existing users can still schedule meetings and manage users until the shutdown.
- Amazon Chime had poor adoption rates since its 2017 launch, influencing the decision to close it.
- Amazon recommends alternatives such as AWS Wickr, Zoom, or Slack for users after shutdown.
Why it matters
- The transition reflects broader trends in the video conferencing market favoring established players like Zoom.
- Similar to Microsoft's shutdown of Skype for Business, companies are consolidating their communication tools.
- Emerging IT trends for 2025 include the growth of integrated communication platforms, emphasizing the need for effective tools in remote work.
Amazon's decision to shutter Chime underscores the competitive landscape of video conferencing, signaling a shift towards more widely adopted solutions like Zoom as businesses adapt to new communication needs.