Yahoo Messenger was once one of the most popular instant messaging platforms available on the internet. It was developed by Yahoo! Inc. in 1998 and quickly gained a massive user base with its easy-to-use interface and range of features. However, after 20 years of existence, Yahoo Messenger was discontinued in July 2018.

Yahoo Messenger allowed users to exchange text messages, pictures, videos, and voice calls. The platform also allowed users to create groups and chat with multiple users at once. One of the most distinctive features of Yahoo Messenger was its use of emojis and emoticons – colorful and animated icons to express emotions in chat.

Initially, Yahoo Messenger only supported desktop usage, but it later expanded to include mobile applications. The platform was available on both iPhone and Android devices. With the mobile apps, users could chat and make voice and video calls over Wi-Fi or their cellular network.

Moreover, Yahoo Messenger also had a social networking feature called Yahoo! Chat Rooms, which allowed users to join different chat rooms and discuss different topics with strangers. However, it was discontinued after reports of predators using the chat rooms to prey on children.

Yahoo! Inc. had been contemplating shutting down Yahoo Messenger since 2016, announcing that it would be replaced with a newer chat app, Yahoo Squirrel. However, Yahoo Squirrel never made it out of its beta testing stage, and it was announced that Yahoo Messenger would be discontinued on July 17, 2018.

The reason behind the discontinuation of Yahoo Messenger was the lack of users. With the rise of social media platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, and Snapchat, Yahoo Messenger lost its relevance and users over time. Although it maintained a considerable following among longtime users, it was unable to keep up with the changing preferences of younger generations.

In conclusion, Yahoo Messenger was a game-changer in the world of instant messaging, but due to the evolution of technology and the changing preferences of internet users, Yahoo Messenger could not keep up with increasing competition. Today, it exists only as a memory, cherished by those who used it in its prime.