Skype vs. Google Hangouts

With Skype introducing shareable chat links into its VoIP service, this week’s final Chart of the Day considers the potential impact this could have on rival service Google Hangouts.

Currently, over a fifth of internet users outside China are using Skype each month, many more than the 6% who are using Google Hangouts.

What’s more, Skype’s dominance is pronounced across all age groups.

For many, then, Skype is already the go-to-VoIP app and the addition of shareable chat links – once a much-liked feature exclusive to Hangouts – could help Skype to broaden its user base further by allowing non-account holders to chat via the service.

Although Hangouts does have a loyal following, Skype’s added versatility in offering these chat links is likely to bring it a boost.