AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) was a popular instant messaging service launched by AOL in 1997. It allowed users to send real-time text messages, share files, and communicate through chat rooms. AIM featured a user-friendly interface and introduced the concept of "buddy lists," enabling users to see which friends were online. The service gained immense popularity in the late 1990s and early 2000s, becoming a staple of online communication. However, with the rise of social media and other messaging platforms, AIM's user base declined. AOL officially discontinued the service in December 2017, marking the end of an era in online messaging.