Skype is making some moves to promote itself with the support of ad agency Pereira & O’Dell. Users that are bored with Skype’s emoticons can now create their own. The Facebook application is part of Skype’s larger ‘It’s Time For Skype’ campaign, which is focused on growing business in the US and UK. According to Skype’s blog, here is how it works:

The Skype Humoticons app allows you to mimic classic emoticons by capturing images of your own facial expressions (from an existing photo or by snapping a picture with your webcam), which you can then post in our Humoticon gallery or share on your Facebook wall. And if you really want to fully express yourself, make an animated Humoticon by taking up to five pictures to show others how you really feel. Once you’re done, you can also download your Humoticon, or copy its URL, to share it in an instant message.

Microsoft is exploring new ways to monetize Skype with an investment of $12 million to shift people’s perception of it as not only as a platform to connect people 1-on-1, but also as a platform that is ‘restoring humanity’ to communications. This comes alongside the intention to prepare the property as real estate for display advertising as well. According to an article published earlier this month on Marketing Daily, customized advertising units will be rolling out in the coming months.

We hope that these changes will increase Skype’s stickiness rather than disrupt the existing exceptional user experience.

It’s Time For Skype