ICQ launched in 1996, setting the standard for online chat. AOL bought it in 1998. Mail.ru ran it after 2010. ICQ shut down on June 26, 2024, but its spirit lives on.
Every ICQ user had a unique numeric ID called a UIN. Low numbers were badges of honor. Want one?
ICQ let you set your status: Online, Away, Do Not Disturb, or Invisible.
This sound made ICQ famous. You heard it, you smiled, you knew someone was reaching out.
Apps like Trillian and Miranda let people chat on ICQ, AIM, MSN, and more, all at once. Power user move.
Pick a classic away message or early emoticon. ICQ brought personality to chats.
ICQ made online presence real, gave us the sound of friendship, and taught millions how to connect fast and for free.
After 28 years, ICQ signed off in 2024. The "uh oh" lives in our heads forever.