Skype Video Messaging Graduates From Beta With Unlimited Clip Support

Skype has taken Skype Video Messaging out of beta, pushing the three minute clip-sharing service to most of its desktop and mobile apps. Previewed back in February – though limited at the time to just 20 messages per user – the full launch of the Video Messaging service includes unlimited use and doesn't require one of Skype's premium packages, taking on MMS video in the process.

While Skype has obviously long supported video calling, the new messaging service effectively cuts out the requirement for both users to be online at the same time. Each video clip can be up to three minutes in length.

Once sent, when the recipient next logs into Skype – whether that be on the desktop or using the VoIP service's mobile apps – they'll see a new message in their inbox. There's also support for adding a short text message, complete with emoticons.

Currently there's no way to send the same message to multiple users, though group support could be added in later. If you're running an earlier version of Skype, you'll get a notification with a link to a web-based viewer, and a code to give access.

Skype Video Messaging is supported on Windows desktop, Windows 8, Mac, iPhone, iPad, Android, and BlackBerry. You'll obviously need to upgrade to the latest version in order to support it, however. No word on when a Windows Phone version will arrive.