Which instant messaging service did AOL launch in May 1997? AIM, short for AOL Instant Messenger. AOL released AIM as a stand-alone Microsoft Windows download in May 1997.
AIM grew out of AOL’s earlier online messaging features and let users communicate in real time through buddy lists, presence indicators, and direct messages. Its “away message” feature became especially memorable: users could leave a status note visible while they were offline or away from the computer. By the late 1990s, AIM was a major way for teenagers, college students, and internet users in North America to stay connected.
A common mix-up is treating AIM and AOL as identical. AOL was the broader internet and media company, while AIM was its messaging service. AIM also competed with ICQ, Yahoo! Messenger, and MSN Messenger; AOL acquired ICQ in 1998, but ICQ remained a distinct service. AIM was discontinued in December 2017.