diff --git a/packages/stream_chat_flutter/lib/src/message_list_view.dart b/packages/stream_chat_flutter/lib/src/message_list_view.dart
index ecd9c220..681a3252 100644
--- a/packages/stream_chat_flutter/lib/src/message_list_view.dart
+++ b/packages/stream_chat_flutter/lib/src/message_list_view.dart
@@ -325,7 +325,7 @@ class _MessageListViewState extends State<MessageListView> {
   double get _initialAlignment {
     final initialAlignment = widget.initialAlignment;
     if (initialAlignment != null) return initialAlignment;
-    return 0;
+    return 0.5;
   }
 
   bool _isInitialMessage(String id) => streamChannel!.initialMessageId == id;