Video by Tech District · Watch on YouTube ↗
About this video
Before WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and modern social media, there was ICQ — the instant messaging pioneer that helped change how the world communicated online.
Launched in Israel in 1996 by Mirabilis, ICQ became a global sensation with its iconic "Uh-Oh!" notification sound, unique user IDs, and real-time messaging. But after AOL acquired it, growing competition and changing technology pushed the once-dominant platform into decline.
Discover the incredible rise and fall of ICQ, from its revolutionary beginnings to its final shutdown in 2024, ending nearly three decades of internet history
Launched in Israel in 1996 by Mirabilis, ICQ became a global sensation with its iconic "Uh-Oh!" notification sound, unique user IDs, and real-time messaging. But after AOL acquired it, growing competition and changing technology pushed the once-dominant platform into decline.
Discover the incredible rise and fall of ICQ, from its revolutionary beginnings to its final shutdown in 2024, ending nearly three decades of internet history
Explore the companies
Sources & further reading
Source notes are being assembled. See the company index for archival leads.