Skype Relaunches Qik Mobile Video Messaging App

qik31Skype has relaunched Qik, the mobile video messaging app it purchased in 2011, as a cross-platform app with self-destructing messages.

The app has been launched simultaneously on Android, iOS and Windows Phone, and enables users to send video messages to individuals or groups up to 42 seconds in length, which are automatically deleted after two weeks.

The videos are square as opposed to rectangular, thanks to Skypes custom-encoders, which also keep the file size small. The app also allows users to record and store 5 second Qik Fliks to use as quick replies to messages.

Although the app is developed and owned by Skype, it is kept separate, with a distinct logo and its own app. It also does not require the user to have a Microsoft account or Skype username, instead using a mobile phone number as an identifier, and pulling contacts from the users phonebook.

While the app bears some similarities to video messaging services such as SnapChat, the longer auto-delete timeframe and record times mean the focus seems to be less on instantaneous connection and more on in-depth communication.

“Skype Qik makes video conversations more spontaneous and fun so you dont have to wait until your next call to connect with your favourite people,” said Dan Chastney, product manager at Skype, in a blog post announcing the release.