Skype, as you all might know is the most popular telecommunications application software that specializes in providing video chat and voice calls from computers, tablets and mobile devices via the Internet to other devices or telephones/smartphones. It also allows users to send instant messages, exchange files and images, send video messages and create conference calls.
Now that it has has been merged with Windows Live Messenger, it’s more popular than ever. There’s no way to use Skype with a third-party client, but it does offer hidden features that can make it more powerful. These are a few useful Skype tricks you won’t find unless you search for it, offering ways to use some hidden emoticons, sign into multiple accounts, record calls, and even disable some of Skype’s built-in advertising.
1. Hidden Emoticons
The common Skype emoticons can be accessed by clicking on the smiley at the top of the compose message box, but there are tons more you can use.
Check the images below and try it out :-


2. Sign Into Multiple Accounts
Unlike some messaging programs, Skype doesn’t allow you to easily log into multiple accounts. But you may have multiple accounts — perhaps you have one for work and one for personal use. Rather than opening Skype as another Windows user account, Skype has a hidden option you can use to open a new tab.
To do this, press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog. In the Run dialog, enter the following command if you’re using a 32-bit version of Windows:
“C:\Program Files\Skype\Phone\Skype.exe” /secondary
On 64-bit versions of Windows, enter the following command instead:
“C:\Program Files (x86)\Skype\Phone\Skype.exe” /secondary
Skype will open a second window, which you can use to log into another account.
3. Record Calls
Skype doesn’t include a built-in call recording feature, but you may find yourself wanting to record a call at some point. As Skype doesn’t include this feature, you’ll need to use a third-party application that will do the recording for you. There are several options out there and one of which is MP3 Skype Recorder. MP3 Skype Recorder is a really nice and advanced software to Record Skype Calls in high quality audio.
This software also records conference and SkypeOut calls and lets the user know when it starts recording, the duration of the call, the quality it’s being recorded at and other call information. So, whenever you start recording a call on your system, this will let you know right away by showing a pop-up window at the bottom.
4. Disable Contact List Advertisements
Skype will always show advertisements in its home page, but it also shows advertisements at the bottom of your contact list by default. You can click the X button to close these advertisements whenever they appear, but they’ll just keep coming back. But there’s a better way to disable them permanently.
To disable the contact-list advertisements, open Options window, navigate to Notifications => Alerts & messages, and uncheck the Promotions checkbox.
5. Hide the Typing Indicator
When you are in a chat with someone, you can see when the other person is typing (a moving pencil appears) and also when they are deleting (the pencil starts rubbing out).
If you don’t want others to see when you are typing, you can disable that option.
Go to Tools => Options => IM & SMS => IM settings, then click on Show advanced options. Now just uncheck the Show when I am typing option.
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