In 2021, I posted a TikTok that went unexpectedly viral. Then another. Then another. Three hundred posts later, I realized that some of the silliest-sounding exercises I shared were also the most effective tips for trans voice training.

Let’s talk about why that is and which ones might help you, too. 

Want to watch instead of read? This blog post is available as a video!

From TikTok Experiments to Everyday Tools

Back when I first dipped my toe into TikTok, I didn’t expect much. I was just curious whether short-form content could help me reach more trans people who were exploring their voice.

But my very first post took off. And not long after, my friend and longtime collaborator Tea joined me, and together we made over 300 videos.

We shared everything from tips and insights to goofy exercises and memes. And somehow, the goofiest exercises (the ones involving cats, dogs, and cartoonish vowel sounds) were the ones people kept coming back to.

So today, I want to revisit three of those viral voice training gems: Key-Oh, Meow, and Woof.

1. The Key-Oh Exercise: Tiny vowel, big results

First posted in February 2022, the Key-Oh video racked up over half a million views. Why? Because it’s simple, quick, and surprisingly effective.

Here’s how to try it:

• Start with a small, bright "Key" (like a cartoon character).

• Then, say a big, round "Oh" (relaxed and open).

• If you’re masculinizing, focus on the depth of "Oh" and try to carry that sensation into your "Key."

• If you’re feminizing, hold on to the high, bright "Key" feeling and bring it into your "Oh."

Once you’ve got it, practice maintaining that new sound over longer sentences. This exercise naturally changes the shape of your vocal tract, modifying your resonance without requiring pitch-tracking apps or rigid drills.

2. The Meow Exercise: Ridiculous? Yes. Effective? Absolutely.

This one got so popular that I even ended up talking about it on the CBC.

The idea is simple:

• Say “Meow” in your regular speaking range, not high-pitched or squeaky.

• Follow it with a breathy, lifted “Yuh” (think Ariana Grande energy).

• Then, try a short phrase using that same lifted quality:

  • “Meow, yuh, I’ll have an iced coffee.”

What this does is create a light, bright vocal quality without overthinking pitch or resonance. You’re just… doing it. And that’s the magic.

Thousands of trans and nonbinary folks have used this to find a more affirming voice, often within minutes. It’s playful and accessible—and yes, just a little bit absurd.

3. The Woof Exercise: Because all dogs are boys and all cats are girls*

(*Joking… sort of.)

After Meow took off, people asked: “What about Woof? Will that masculinize my voice?”

Surprisingly: yes.

Here’s how it works:

• Start with a big-dog bark. “Woof!”

• Then say “Umm” using that same low, grounded vocal shape.

• Now try a short phrase:

  • “Woof, umm, I’ll have an iced coffee.”

Just like Meow, this one primarily modifies resonance by adjusting the size and shape of your vocal tract. And depending on your natural register, it may also help you explore lower pitch placement.

Why These Silly Sounds Actually Work

TikTok isn’t exactly known for nuance. But sometimes, that’s a good thing.

These playful, low-barrier exercises gave people something effective they could try right away. No app, no expensive mic, no hour-long tutorial. Just a sound, a shape, and a sense of fun.

And even now, I still use Key-Oh, Meow, and Woof in my private coaching and online courses. Because they work. For people of all genders. For all kinds of goals.

You don’t need hormones or surgery to start transforming your voice. You just need curiosity, commitment, and a little animal inspiration.

Want More?

I talk about the Key-Oh and other beginner-friendly techniques in my free webinar:
Change the Gender of Your Voice (No Hormones or Surgeries Required).

And if you give any of these a try, drop a 🐱, 🐶, or 🔑 emoji in the comments on the YouTube video and let me know how it went!