14 Apps from the 2000s That Completely Disappeared
Many popular apps from the 2000s no longer exist due to changing technology and user habits.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 4 min read
The 2000s saw a boom in new apps for messaging, music, and productivity. Some gained millions of users but later shut down as better options emerged. These apps played a key role in early internet culture but are now gone.
1. MSN Messenger
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MSN Messenger was a widely used instant messaging app developed by Microsoft. It allowed users to chat, send emojis, and share files with contacts. It was extremely popular among teenagers and office workers alike in the early 2000s. Microsoft eventually shut it down in favor of Skype.
2. LimeWire
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LimeWire was a peer-to-peer file-sharing app mostly used for downloading music. It became one of the most recognized platforms for sharing MP3s. Due to legal pressure from the music industry, it was shut down in 2010. It is remembered for helping shape the digital music era.
3. AIM (AOL Instant Messenger)
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AIM was one of the first major instant messaging platforms in the U.S. It featured chat rooms, away messages, and buddy lists. Millions of users used it to stay connected with friends. It was discontinued in 2017 after losing relevance to modern messaging apps.
4. Winamp
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Winamp was a music player known for its customizable skins and equalizer features. It supported many file formats and had a strong user community. People used it to manage and play their downloaded music collections. It eventually lost ground to apps like iTunes and streaming services.
5. MySpace Mobile App
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MySpace had an early mobile app that allowed users to browse profiles, post messages, and upload photos. It allowed users to access the platform on early smartphones. As MySpace lost users to Facebook, the app also faded. Today, MySpace exists in a limited form, but the original app is gone.
6. Yahoo! Messenger
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Yahoo! Messenger was another early chat app offering messaging, voice calls, and webcams. It gained a large global user base during the 2000s. Features like custom avatars and status updates made it unique. Yahoo shut it down in 2018 after years of decline.
7. Google Buzz
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Google Buzz was a social networking app linked to Gmail. It allowed users to share updates, links, and media in their email feed. Privacy issues and low engagement led to its quick downfall. It was shut down in 2011 and replaced by Google+.
8. ICQ (Original Version)
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ICQ was one of the first internet chat apps, launched in the late 1990s but popular into the 2000s. It had unique features like user IDs and offline messaging. It was later bought by AOL and faded as newer apps took over. Although it still exists in another form, the original version is no longer available.
9. RealPlayer
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RealPlayer was used to stream and download audio and video files. It supported formats that weren’t common in other media players. Users often needed it to play specific types of internet videos. Modern browsers and players have made it unnecessary over time.
10. Orkut
orkut on Wikimedia Commons
Orkut was a social networking app owned by Google, mostly popular in Brazil and India. It allowed users to post testimonials, photos, and join communities. Privacy problems and competition from Facebook led to its end in 2014. The platform is no longer available.
11. Xanga
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Xanga was a blogging platform that also had a social networking feature. Teens and young adults used it to share personal updates, photos, and music. It was one of the early spaces for online journaling. The app and site faded as users moved to Facebook, Tumblr, and WordPress.
12. Friendster
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One of the earliest social networks, Friendster had a strong run in Southeast Asia. It pivoted to social gaming before shutting down. At its peak, it boasted over 100 million users and was a serious rival to MySpace and Facebook. Despite early success, poor technical performance and slow innovation led to its rapid decline.
13. iGoogle
Google on Wikimedia Commons
A customizable homepage with widgets, calendars, and news. Google shut it down as mobile usage surged. iGoogle was especially popular among desktop users who wanted a personalized dashboard experience. Its closure disappointed loyal fans who had used it as their daily starting point on the web.
14. Songza
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Songza was a music streaming app that offered curated playlists based on time, mood, or activity. It stood out for its human-made playlists and sleek design. Google acquired it in 2014 and shut it down, merging some features into Google Play Music. The original app no longer exists.