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About

ICQ was an early instant messaging service developed by the Israeli company Mirabilis and launched in November 1996. The name “ICQ” was derived from the phrase “I Seek You,” reflecting its purpose as a platform for real-time online communication. ICQ allowed users to send messages, share files, and participate in group chats, introducing features such as user profiles, contact lists, and status updates. It quickly gained popularity, particularly among early internet users, and became one of the first widely-used messaging services on the web.

ICQ used a unique user identification number (UIN) for each account, a key feature that allowed people to connect across the globe. The service was notable for its distinct notification sound and its simple, text-based interface. In 1998, Mirabilis was acquired by America Online (AOL) for $287 million, as ICQ’s user base continued to expand.

Despite its initial success, ICQ gradually lost market share as new messaging platforms emerged, including competitors such as MSN Messenger, AIM, and eventually modern services like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger. In 2010, ICQ was sold by AOL to the Russian internet company Mail.ru.

While it continued to operate under new ownership, ICQ never regained its early prominence. By the 2010s, it had become largely obsolete, with a small remaining user base.