"Why do my GoPro 9 footages appear blurry or distorted when uploaded to YouTube, and are there any settings or editing techniques that can improve the video quality?"

YouTube's compression algorithms can affect the quality of uploaded videos, making them appear blurry or distorted.

YouTube uses the VP9 codec for high-view-count videos, which can improve video quality, but it's not always used.

The H.264 codec is typically used for all videos on YouTube, which can result in a loss of quality.

Going from 1080p to 4K can result in a loss of quality due to the increased resolution and bitrate.

Grainy footage can be caused by low-light conditions, motion blur, or low-resolution cameras.

Pixelation can occur when the camera is recording in low-resolution modes or when the video is compressed heavily during upload.

A dirty lens can cause footage to appear blurry or distorted, especially if it's not cleaned regularly.

Sharpening or sharpening filters can improve video quality, but can also introduce artifacts or over-sharpening.

Color grading or color correction can improve the aesthetic of the video, but can also affect the overall quality.

Camera settings like ISO, exposure, and focus can affect the quality of the footage, so it's essential to adjust them correctly.

Proper exposure and lighting can help reduce noise and improve image quality.

The GoPro Hero 9 has a maximum resolution of 4K at 60fps, but it can be affected by the camera settings and lighting conditions.

The YouTube algorithm can prioritize compression and resolution over quality, which can result in a loss of video quality.

Upload settings, such as bitrate and resolution, can affect the quality of the uploaded video.

Rendering videos at a higher bit rate can improve quality, but it may not always be necessary.

Allowing YouTube some time to process the video can improve quality, as it allows for better compression and encoding.

Editing software like DaVinci Resolve can help improve video quality by allowing for greater control over settings and encoding.

The quality of the uploaded video can be affected by the device used to upload it, such as a smartphone or computer.

The audience and view count of the uploaded video can affect the quality of the upload, with higher-view-count videos receiving priority compression.

Regularly cleaning the lens and maintaining the camera can help prevent blurry or distorted footage due to dirt, dust, or other obstructions.