Skype has launched a new Facebook app for its users to say ‘happy birthday’ in a new way rather than simply post on their friends wall. 

Photo: Skype Happy Birthday app on Facebook, a snapshot

Today Skype has more than 5 million Facebook fans, though last year their number was only 1 million. This is the first social media campaign by Skype that was acquired by Microsoft in May. The company has designed the app to promote its Skype Group Video Calling service that first launched in January. ‘Say Happy Birthday with Skype’ allows users to post a birthday song performed by a favorite band from the suggested list and even sing along.

To help creating the app, popular bands including Imogen Heap, The Parlotones, Bowling For Soup, Charlie Simpson, Scarlet Grey, Body Language, Kill The Young, CSS, and Ash recorded original versions of Happy Birthday using Skype Group Chat.

When the app launched, fans can choose to record themselves in an additional group video chat window, and recipients of the greeting receive one free week of the service. The customized musical and personal message can be posted on Facebook walls, embedded on websites and sent anywhere else via unique URL.

Skype app is a good finding that Facebook users may appreciate as the app offers a convenient service to greet friends in one message instead of flooding friends’ walls.

Earlier this fall, Skype was named No.2 Breakaway Brand, according to a research by the brand agency Landor.