Want to call someone on Skype but don’t feel like downloading it or even signing up for a new account? Neither action is necessary now that Skype has opened up chats, voice, and video calls to guests.

Anyone who wants to can go to Skype.com to start a conversation, simply by entering your name. You’ll then receive a shareable link you can send to friends, either individually or as a group in an email or on social media, that will allow them to join your conversation immediately, the company says.

You can include up to 300 people at one time in a group chat, or up to 25 people on a voice or video call. But if you’re using it as a guest, you’ll only have 24 hours for the conversation.

The service is free, though if you want to call a landline, mobile phone, or translate a conversation with Skype Translator, you’ll have to sign up for a Skype account, which is also free.

Want more consumer news? Visit our parent organization, Consumer Reports, for the latest on scams, recalls, and other consumer issues.