Given the ability to retweet content on Twitter in two distinct but confusingly named ways, it can be difficult to decide which method to use: the original, user-created retweet or the more official, Twitter-created retweet.
Using the included infographic to help you to understand the minor nuances and major differences between the two methods, here are some tips on which to use in different situations.
1. For official news that you want to spread, use the official retweet.
The idea behind the official retweet is to give it an air of authority, crediting the original source and having no "spam" value to the retweeter. If you're simply looking to spread a tweet for the sake of sharing information, use the official retweet button for the sake of ease and simplicity.
2. For evolving tweets, use a traditional retweet.
Twitter is known as a platform for people to add onto each other's words and tweets are often tweaked, changed and added to in order to give context or add information. When you're looking to add information to an existing tweet, only the traditional method of retweeting will allow the necessary editing.
3. When giving credit everywhere credit is due, use a traditional retweet.
Official retweets, by their very nature, credit only the original author and no one else. If the content that you're wanting to retweet requires that credit be given to yourself or a third-party, a combination of a traditional retweet and the always useful "@" are the way to go.
4. When in doubt, use an official retweet.
Assuming you have no need to add content, add credit or edit what's being retweeted, the official method offers a one-click solution that will suit any general purpose.